A sign of something being wrong
is something that can be seen by someone else, perhaps a loved one, or a
doctor, nurse, or other health care professional.
For example, fever, fast
breathing, and abnormal lung sounds heard through a stethoscope may be signs of
pneumonia.
Having one sign or symptom may
not be enough to figure out what’s causing it. A doctor can get a better
picture of the illness. Sometimes, a patient’s signs and symptoms still don’t
give the doctor enough clues to be sure what’s causing the illness. That's when
medical tests might be needed.
How does cancer cause signs and symptoms?
Cancer is a group of diseases
that can cause almost any sign or symptom.The signs and symptoms will depend on
where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects the organs or
tissues. If a cancer has spread, signs or symptoms may appear in different
parts of the body.
As a cancer grows, it can begin
to push on nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. This pressure causes some
of the signs and symptoms of cancer. If the cancer is in a critical area, such
as certain parts of the brain, even the smallest tumour can cause symptoms.
But sometimes cancer starts in
places where it won’t cause any signs or symptoms until it has grown quite
large. Cancers of the pancreas, for example, usually don’t cause symptoms until
they grow large enough to press on nearby nerves or organs (this causes back or
belly pain). Others may grow around the bile duct and block the flow of bile.
This causes the eyes and skin to look yellow (jaundice). By the time a
pancreatic cancer causes signs or symptoms like these, it’s usually in an
advanced stage. This means it has grown and spread beyond the place it started,
the pancreas.
A cancer may also cause symptoms
like fever, extreme tiredness (fatigue), or weight loss. This may be because
cancer cells use up much of the body’s energy supply, or they may release
substances that change the way the body makes energy from food. Cancer can also
cause the immune system to react in ways that produce these signs and symptoms.
Sometimes, cancer cells release
substances into the bloodstream that cause symptoms that are not usually linked
to cancer. For example, some cancers of the pancreas can release substances
that cause blood clots in veins of the legs. Some lung cancers make
hormone-like substances that raise blood calcium levels. This affects nerves
and muscles, making the person feel weak and dizzy.
How are signs and symptoms
helpful?
Treatment works best when cancer
is found early, whilst it’s still small and is less likely to have spread to
other parts of the body. This often means a better chance for a cure,
especially if the cancer can be removed with surgery.
Sometimes people ignore symptoms.
Maybe they don’t know that the symptoms could mean something is wrong. Or they
might be frightened by what the symptoms could mean and don’t want to get
medical help. Maybe they just can’t afford to get medical care.
Some symptoms, such as tiredness
or coughing, are more likely caused by something other than cancer. Symptoms
can seem unimportant, especially if there’s a clear cause or the problem only
lasts a short time. In the same way, a person may reason that a symptom like a
breast lump is probably a cyst that will go away by itself. But no symptom
should be ignored or overlooked, especially if it has lasted a long time or is
getting worse.
Most likely, symptoms are not
caused by cancer, but it’s important to have them checked out, just in case. If
cancer is not the cause, a doctor can help figure out what the cause is and
treat it, if needed.
What are some general signs and symptoms of cancer?
You should know some of the
general signs and symptoms of cancer. But remember, having any of these does
not mean that you have cancer, there are many other things cause these signs
and symptoms, too.
If you have any of these symptoms
and they last for a long time or get worse, make sure you visit a doctor to
find out what is happening.
Unexplained weight loss
Most people with cancer will lose
weight at some point. When you lose weight for no known reason, it’s called
unexplained weight loss. Losing 10 pounds or more without trying may be the
first sign of cancer.
Fever
Fever is very common with cancer,
but it more often happens after cancer has spread from where it started. Almost
all people with cancer will have fever at some time, especially if the cancer
or its treatment affects the immune system.
Fatigue
Fatigue is extreme tiredness that
doesn’t get better with rest. It may be an important symptom as cancer grows.
Pain
Pain may be an early symptom with
some cancers like bone and testicular.A headache that does not go away or get
better with treatment may be a symptom of a brain tumour. Most often, pain due
to cancer means it has already spread from where it started.
Signs and symptoms of certain cancers
Along with the general symptoms,
you should watch for certain other common signs and symptoms that could suggest
cancer. Again, there may be other causes for each of these, but it’s important
to see a doctor about them as soon as possible especially if they last a long
time.
Change in bowel habits or bladder function
Long-term constipation,
diarrhoea, or a change in the size of the stool may be a sign of colon cancer.
Pain when passing urine, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function
could be related to bladder or prostrate cancer.
Sores that don't heal
Skin cancers may bleed and look
like sores that don’t heal. A long-lasting sore in the mouth could be an oral
cancer. This should be dealt with right away, especially in people who smoke,
chew tobacco, or often drink alcohol.
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Unusual bleeding can happen in
early or advanced cancer. Coughing up blood may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood
in the stool (which can look like very dark or black stool) could be a sign of
colon cancer. Cancer of the cervix can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body
Many cancers can be felt through
the skin. These cancers occur mostly in the breast, testicle,lymph nodes
(glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an
early or late sign of cancer and should be reported to a doctor.
Nagging cough or hoarseness
A cough that does not go away may
be a sign of lung cancer.
The signs and symptoms listed
above are the more common ones seen with cancer, but there are many others that
are not listed here. If you notice any major changes in the way your body works
or the way you feel – especially if it lasts for a long time or gets worse –
let a doctor know.
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