10 Cancer Symptoms

10 cancer symptoms

Unexplained Weight Loss

If you suddenly lose weight without changes to your diet or exercise, it could be a sign of cancer. While many factors can contribute to weight loss, cancers like those of the stomach, pancreas, or lungs often cause a significant drop in weight. The body may be using more energy to fight the disease, or the cancer itself may alter its metabolism.

Persistent Fatigue

Remember that other factors can also cause these symptoms, so while they could indicate pregnancy, it’s a good idea to confirm with another method.

Persistent fatigue is common in cancers such as leukemia or those that cause blood loss, like colon or stomach cancer.

Unexplained Pain

While many causes of pain are harmless, persistent or unexplained pain that doesn’t go away might indicate cancer. Pain can result in a tumor pressing on bones, nerves, or other organs. It is often associated with cancers like bone cancer or ovarian cancer. If you experience severe pain lasting more than a few weeks, you must consult a doctor for further evaluation.

Skin Changes

Changes in the skin, such as new moles, growths, or changes in existing moles, should be monitored closely. Skin cancers, that includes melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, can cause these changes. Additionally, symptoms like yellowing, darkening, or redness of the skin, as well as itching or excessive hair growth, can sometimes be signs of internal cancers like liver or ovarian cancer.

Breast Changes

Women should weekly or monthly check their breasts changes, such as lumps, thickening, or dimpling of the skin. Other concerning signs include nipple discharge (other than breast milk), inversion, or redness and flakiness. These symptoms could indicate breast cancer or other breast conditions. Early detection through self-examination and mammograms is crucial for successful treatment.

Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Sudden changes in bowel or bladder habits can be a sign of cancer. Symptoms like persistent diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool, or a change in the size of the stool can indicate colon or rectal cancer. For bladder cancer, symptoms may include pain when urinating, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. If these symptoms persist for a few weeks, consult a healthcare professional.

Unusual Bleeding or Discharge

Unexpected bleeding or discharge from any part of the body should be taken seriously. This can include vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause, blood in the urine or stool, or abnormal discharge from the nipples. These could be signs of cancers such as cervical, endometrial, or colorectal cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment are key, so consult a doctor if you experience any bleeding.

Difficulty Swallowing

Persistent difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or feeling like food is stuck in your throat could be a warning sign of cancer in the esophagus or throat. It could also be related to cancers of the stomach or pancreas. Difficulty swallowing might be accompanied by weight loss or throat pain. A through medical evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause if these symptoms persist or worsen.

Chronic Cough or Hoarseness

A chronic cough that doesn’t go away or a hoarse voice that lasts longer than a few weeks may indicate laryngeal cancer or lung cancer. While the symptoms of respiratory infections and ordinary colds can be similar, a cough associated with cancer is frequently chronic and may also cause chest pain or bleeding. Seek medical advice if the symptoms are ongoing or severe.

Abdominal Bloating or Pain

Chronic bloating, abdominal pain, or a feeling of fullness even after eating little could indicate ovarian cancer. Other possible cancers include stomach, pancreatic, or liver cancer. If bloating is accompanied by weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or urinary symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor. Many women dismiss these symptoms as normal digestive issues, but they could signify a more serious condition.

Nandhini – Pearl Hospital, a leading Muti speciality hospital in Velachery, Chennai, has been dedicated to women’s wellness for over 35 years, offering comprehensive gynaecological, fertility, cancer care, and specialty care treatments for women. Our team of expert obstetricians has safely delivered over 50,000 babies.

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