Signs and symptoms of cancer

What are the signs and symptoms?

A sign is also a sign that something is not right in the body. But the signs are signs that are seen by someone else, such as perhaps a loved, a doctor, nurse or other health care professional. Fever, rapid breathing, and abnormal sounds in the lungs that are heard through a stethoscope may be signs of pneumonia.

On the other hand, a symptom is a sign of disease, ailment, injury or something is not well in the body. The symptoms are senses or noted by the person experiencing them, but can that they are not easily noticed by others. For example, weakness, muscle pain, and shortness of breath may be symptoms of pneumonia.

An only sign or symptom may not be enough to determine the cause of the same. For example, the rash in a child could be a sign of a number of things, such as exposure to poisonous plants, mumps, a skin infection or an allergy caused by food. However, if your child has a rash along with other signs and symptoms such as a high fever, chills, muscle pain and irritation of the throat, then the doctor have a better picture of the disease. Sometimes, the signs and symptoms in a patient not provide the doctor enough clues to determine the cause of a disease. Maybe later they require clinical as x-rays, blood tests or biopsy exams.

How to cause cancer signs and symptoms?

Cancer is a group of diseases that could cause almost any sign or symptom. Signs and symptoms depend on the location of the cancer, how big is, as well as how much it affects the organs or tissues. If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), then the signs or symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.

As the cancer grows, it begins to put pressure on nearby organs, blood vessels and nerves. This pressure causes some of the signs and symptoms of cancer. If cancer is found in an area critical, as in certain parts of the brain, even smaller tumor can cause symptoms of the disease.

However, sometimes the cancer arises in places where will not cause any symptoms until that has grown in large size, as for example, cancers in the pancreas. Generally speaking, these cancers do not cause symptoms, but until that have grown enough to push the nerves or organs close (this causes pain on his back or abdomen). Other cancers grow around the bile duct and block the flow of bile. This causes the eyes and the skin acquiring a yellowish (jaundice). When pancreatic cancer cause these signs and symptoms, it is usually at advanced stage. This means that it has grown and spread beyond the place where it originated (pancreas).

Cancer can also cause symptoms, such as fever, extreme tiredness, or weight loss. This may be due to cancer cells use much of the body’s energy supply or that secrete substances that they affect the way in which the body produces the energy obtained from food or cancer can cause the immune system to react in such a way that causes these symptoms.

Sometimes, cancer cells secrete substances into the bloodstream causing symptoms that generally are not associated with cancer. For example, some cancers of the pancreas can release substances that cause blood clots in the veins of the legs. Some lung cancers produce a substance similar to the hormones that increase calcium levels in the blood. This affects the nerves and muscles, causing the person to feel weakness and dizziness.

How are signs and symptoms useful?

The treatment is more effective when cancer is found early. Detecting cancer early usually implies that it can be treated while it is small and when it is less likely that it has spread to other parts of the body. Often, this means that there is a better chance of cure, especially if cancer can be removed by surgery.

A good example of the importance of finding the cancer early is the melanoma (skin cancer). This skin cancer can be easily removed if it has not grown deeply skin survival rate at five years (percentage of people who live at least five years after the diagnosis) for this stage is approximately 100%. Once melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, the five year survival rate falls to less than 20%.

Sometimes people leave ignore symptoms. It is possible that they can’t recognize the symptoms as something that indicates that something is wrong, or because they have fear of what it could mean and do not want to seek medical attention. Some symptoms, such as fatigue, are more likely to be due to other causes other than cancer. It can be seen with little importance, especially if they have an obvious cause or if the problem lasts only a short time. Also, a person can think that a symptom, like a lump in the breast, is probably a cyst to disappear by itself. However, no symptoms should ignore or overlook the fact, especially if it is getting worse or it has been present for a long time.

Any symptoms you may have is very probably, not from cancer, but it is important they are reviewed by your doctor, just in case. If the cancer is not the cause, a doctor can help determine the cause and treat it if necessary.

Sometimes, it is possible to find cancer before you present symptoms. The American Cancer Society and other health organizations recommend checkups to detect cancer and certain tests to people even if they have no symptoms. This helps to find certain cancers early, before symptoms begin. For more information on early detection tests, see our document on “Guidelines for the early detection of cancer American Cancer Society”. However, remember that even if you were to make these recommended tests, it is still important to see a doctor if any symptoms.

What are some signs and general symptoms of cancer?

 

You should know some of the signs and general symptoms of cancer. Remember, however, that you have any of these signs or symptoms does not mean that you have cancer (other things also cause these signs and symptoms). If you have any of these symptoms and they persist for a long time or worsen, please consult with a doctor to find out the cause of them.

  • Unexplained weight loss :The majority of people with cancer will experience weight loss at some point. When you lose weight without apparent reason, this is called unexplained weight loss. A loss of unexplained weight of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer. This occurs more frequently in the case of cancer of pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
  •  Fever: Fever is very common in patients who have cancer, although it occurs most frequently after that the cancer has spread from the place where it originated. Almost all cancer patients will experience fever at some point, especially if the cancer or its treatment affect the immune system. This may hinder him even more the body fight off infections less frequently, fever can be an early sign of cancer, for example in the leukaemia or lymphoma.
  •  Fatigue: Fatigue is an extreme exhaustion that does not improve with rest. It can be an important symptom as the cancer progresses. In cancers, such as leukemia, the fatigue can occur at the beginning. Some cancers of the colon or stomach can cause blood loss. This is another way that cancer can cause fatigue.
  •  Pain: The pain may be an initial symptom of some cancers, such as cancer of the bones or testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away or that is not relieved by treatment can be a symptom of a brain tumor. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of colon, rectum or ovary. More often, the cancer pain is a symptom that the disease already spread from the place where it originated (metastasis).
  •  Skin changes: Along with cancers of the skin, some other cancers can cause symptoms or signs that you can see. These signs and symptoms include:

 

  • Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation).
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
  • Redness of the skin (erythema).
  • Itching (pruritus).
  • Excessive hair growth.
  • Signs and symptoms of certain cancers

 

Along with general symptoms, you should be aware of other symptoms and common signs that might be indications of cancer. Again, there may be other causes for each of these signs and symptoms, but it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if any of them.

A change in habit of evacuation or the function of the bladder

Constipation, diarrhea or a change in the size of the feces (excrement) for a long time may be a sign of colon cancer. On the other hand, pain while urinating, blood in the urine or changes in the function of the urinary bladder (such as urinating more or less frequently) could be associated with cancers of prostate or bladder. You must inform a physician about any change in bladder or bowel function.

Sores that do not heal

Cancers of the skin can bleed and look like sores that do not heal. A sore in the mouth that does not cure could be due to oral cancer. This should meet as soon as possible, especially in people who smoke, chew tobacco or frequently consume alcohol. The sores on the penis or vagina could be signs either an infection or a cancer at early stage, and should be examined by a doctor.It has white spots on the tongue or inside the mouth.The white spots on the tongue or inside the mouth could be Leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a precancerous area that is caused by frequent irritation. It is often caused by smoking or the use of other types of tobacco. People who smoke pipes or used tobacco for oral use products are at high risk of Leukoplakia. If untreated, Leukoplakia can develop into oral cancer. Any change in the mouth that lasts a long time should be immediately reviewed by a physician or dentist.

Bleeding or unusual discharge

Unusual bleeding may occur in case of cancer in its initial or advanced stages. The presence of blood in the phlegm can be a sign of lung cancer. On the other hand, if blood appears in the excrement (or very dark) it could be a sign of colon cancer or rectal cancer. The cancer of cervix or endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Also, blood in the urine may be a sign of cancer of the bladder or kidney. A secretion with blood coming out of the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.

Hardening or a mass in the breast or in any part of the body

Many cancers can be felt through the skin. These cancers occur mainly in the breast, testes, lymph nodes (glands) in the soft tissues of the body. A mass or hardening can be a sign early or late cancer, and inform a doctor, especially if you just discover it or notice it has grown in size.

Indigestion or difficulty swallowing

Indigestion or difficulty swallowing may be signs of cancer of the esophagus (the tube of swallowing that reaches the stomach), stomach or pharynx (throat). However, like most of the symptoms on this list, they are often caused by other causes other than cancer.

Recent change in a wart or mole or any new changes in the skin

Any wart, Mole or Freckle that changes in color, size or shape, or loses its sharp edge must be reported to a doctor immediately. In addition, tell your doctor any other changes in the skin. A change in the skin can be a melanoma that can be treated effectively if found early.

Persistent cough or hoarseness

A persistent cough may be a sign of lung cancer, while hoarseness may be a sign of cancer of the thyroid or the sound box (larynx).

The aforementioned signs and symptoms are the most common manifested with the cancer, but there are many others that are less common and are not mentioned here. If notice any major change in the way in how his body responds or feels, especially if it lingers for a great time or worse, should inform your doctor. If you don’t have anything to do with cancer, your doctor can find out more about what is happening and try this symptom if necessary. If it’s cancer, will be giving the opportunity to treat it so early, when treatment is more effective.