Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer and Symptoms of Cancer

According to American Cancer Society, cancer ranks number two in the nation. There are all types of cancers such as cancer of the brain, bone cancer, cervical cancer, breast, eye, kidney, and many more. Cancer stems from an uncontrollable, abnormality in cells of the body. Literally, every organ and all parts of the human body can get cancer. There are many signs and symptoms of cancer that we can be aware of. Early detection can lead to a longer life.

How Symptoms of Cancer Occur

Depending on the location, size, and how it affects organs or tissues, cancer can cause almost any sign or symptom, and if it spreads, or metastasizes, symptoms can respectively appear in different parts of the body. As a cancer grows, it can start pushing against nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves, thus creating symptoms. Sometimes cancer can start in places showing no signs or symptoms until it has enlarged to advance stages. Pancreatic cancer is an example of one of these type cancers. By the time it has advanced, pancreatic cancer can cause belly and back pain and could also grow around the bile duct, blocking bile flow (American Cancer Society, 2015).

Early Cancer Detection

No one wants to find out they have cancer, but at the same time, it is best to acknowledge symptoms of cancer in its potentially early stages. The earlier that you recognize symptoms of cancer and are able to confirm it, the better the chances for a successful treatment if diagnosed. In cases of no symptoms, individuals can have screenings done to detect abnormalities. These available screenings include mammography, cytology, and an alternative non-invasive procedure called thermography. Thermography senses heat patterns in the body, caused by inflammation and is said to be able to detect problems up to ten years before any symptoms are present.

Symptoms of Cancer

In general, there are several symptoms that should be of concern. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is not meant to be diagnostic but also shouldn’t be taken lightly. You should consult with a doctor to look further into your symptoms. The symptoms are as follows:

• Pain – Pain can be an early symptom of some cancers like bone and testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away, even with treatment, could be a symptom of brain cancer. Pain in the back can be a symptom of colon, rectal, or ovarian cancer. Usually, if there is pain due to cancer, the cancer has already metastasized.
• Sores that do not heal – Sores on the skin that bleed and do not heal could be a sign of skin cancer. Long lasting sores in the mouth could be a sign of oral cancer, especially if you smoke, chew tobacco, or drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or vagina could be infection or a sign of cancer.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge – Early or advanced cancer can cause unusual bleeding. Coughing up blood can be a sign of lung cancer, blood in the stool (very dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding could be a symptom of cervix r endometrium cancer, and a bloody discharge from the nipple could be a sign of breast cancer.
• Fever – Fever is a common symptom of cancer and usually happens after cancer has spread. Almost every one with cancer will experience fever, especially if the cancer treatment affects the immune system. Fever may also be and early sign of blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
• Fatigue – Fatigue may happen in early stages of cancer such as leukemia and can be a primary symptom as cancer grows. Some colon or stomach cancers cause un-noticed blood loss, contributing to fatigue.
• Unexplained weight loss – An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more could be a first sign of cancer. This symptom is most often seen in pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancer.
• Skin changes – Skin cancer and some other cancers can cause visible changes in the skin, such as darker skin, yellowish skin and eyes, reddened skin, itching, and excessive growth.

Additional Symptoms of Cancer

In addition to the general symptoms of cancer, there are specific, common signs and symptoms of cancers as well. Some of those symptoms are as follows:

• Indigestion or trouble swallowing – Indigestion and swallowing problems may be signs of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or pharynx.
• Change in bowel habits or bladder function – long term constipation, diarrhea, or change stool size can be a sign of colon cancer. Pain while urinating, blood in the urine, or change in bladder functions, such as needing to urinate more or less frequent then usual, can be related to bladder or prostate cancer.
• Recent change in a wart or mole or other skin change – Any change in size, shape, or color loss of sharp border in a wart, freckle or mole, should be of concern. Other skin changes, which could be a melanoma, should also be addressed.
• Nagging cough or hoarseness – A cough that won’t go away could be a sign of lung cancer, and hoarseness could be a sign of cancer of the larynx or thyroid gland.
• White patches inside the mouth or spots on the tongue – This could be a sign of leukoplakia, which is a pre-cancerous area caused by frequent irritation. People who smoke pipes or use oral tobaccos are at high risk. If leukoplakia is left untreated, it can lead to mouth cancer.
• Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body – Many cancers that can be felt through the skin are mostly in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, and soft tissue of the body. Lumps or thickenings could be either early or late signs of cancer and should not be ignored.

Conclusion

There are many symptoms of cancer. The ones listed here are just a few common ones. If you have noticed major changes in your body or how you feel, especially if symptoms lasts for long periods and get s worse, you should contact a doctor. Also, as stated, just because you have symptoms does not mean that you have cancer. Finally, if your symptoms are cancerous, early detection is best detection, so don’t be afraid — get checked if you have symptoms of any kind.

Reference

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer