Cancer Signs, Symptoms, Support And Information
Are you having signs or symptoms of cancer? Being aware of signs and symptoms of cancer can help one to have successful treatment if he/she seeks medical attention right away. Whether minor or major, any symptom or sign that gets worse or continues for a long period of time needs to be brought to your doctor’s medical attention. There are several places that are more than happy to provide support and information about cancer.
Signs and symptoms are important components in detecting cancer. Cancer is made up of a combination of diseases, which can cause various symptoms and signs. Depending on the location, size, and how it is affecting tissues and organs, cancer will prevail certain signs and symptoms that warn humans of a serious health problem. Cancers that have spread may cause signs and symptoms to appear in several places on the body. Although, cancers, such as that in the pancreas, sometimes show no symptoms until it has become large enough and then puts pressure on nearby organs and nerves. Sadly, by the time this happens, the cancer has become a major threat. Because of matters like this, it is important for you to visit your doctor regularly, and never ignore signs or symptoms. After all, even if there is no cancer, your doctor will be able to fetch the cause of your symptoms and better your health.
Signs and symptoms range from minor to major. Minor signs and symptoms are not to be underestimated, because they can be linked to cancer, especially if they last an extended amount of time or gain worse. Some examples of general signs and symptoms that may be caused by cancer include:
Unexplained Weight Loss- This is often one of the first signs of cancer. If one loses 10 or more pounds for no reason he/she should be checked for cancer. Unexplained weight loss happens frequently with cancers of the lungs, esophagus, or stomach.
Fatigue- If one is often extremely tired and sees that rest is not easing the problem, he/she should see a doctor. This symptom can become critical as the cancer grows. Fatigue often occurs early in cancers such as leukemia. Also, Cancers that cause blood loss (stomach or colon) also cause fatigue.
Fever- This is probably the most common designate of cancer because all patients having cancer will have fever eventually. Lymphoma and Leukemia (blood cancers) can sometimes start with fever.
Pain- Pain symptoms are common with testicular and bone cancers. If one gets a headache that lasts a long time or won’t go away, it is possible that he/she may have a brain tumor, which can lead to cancer. Cancers, such as, rectum, colon, or ovary can cause assist pain. This symptom often develops when cancer has spread from its original dwelling.
Skin changes- This is a notice or symptom that can be seen. Visible changes often include: Jaundice (yellowish eyes and/or skin), hyper-pigmentation (darker skin), Erythema (reddened skin), Pruritis (itching), and excessive hair growth.
Although minor, if these signs and symptoms worsen or last for a long time, it is important to get the attention one’s health deserves.
Major symptoms and signs of cancer are ones that are common. It is crucial that one gets doctors help for these symptoms. Some major (common) signs and symptoms include:
Sores that appear not toheal – Skin cancers often behold like sores. The sores will often bleed and don’t heal. Oral cancers sometimes result with sores in your mouth for a long period of time, especially in people who chew tobacco, smoke, or drink alcohol frequently. Sores may also be early signs of cancer or infection when appearing in one’s private areas.
Unusual discharge or bleeding – This symptom occurs in the advanced or early stages of cancer. Blood appearing in phlegm may be lung cancer. A stool with blood in it may be caused by rectal or colon cancer. Abnormal bleeding of the vagina may be cancer. Blood in urine may be caused by bladder or kidney cancer.
Patches of white in the mouth or a tongue with white spots – This symptom may be Leukoplakia, often irritation caused by tobacco products. Most at risk are the tobacco users that use spit tobacco or smoke pipes. One should be checked if this symptom occurs for a long period of time because it can turn into cancer.
Lump or thickening in the breast area or other body parts – Once can often feel this type of cancer through the skin. Soft tissues are often subject to this type of symptom including: lymph nodes, testicles, and breasts. Lumps can grow.
Change is bladder function or bowel movements – Colon cancer often causes diarrhea, major change in stool size, and long-term constipation. Bladder and prostate cancer can cause hurt when urinating, causing urine with blood, or the need to urinate more or less than usual.
New changes to a mole, wart, or the skin – A doctor is necessary if one notices a change in size, shape, color, or the loss of the border of a freckle, wart, or mole. Melanoma is a skin change that may be successfully treated if found early.
Trouble swallowing or indigestion – These problems may be the cause of cancer in/on the esophagus, throat, or stomach.
Irritable hoarseness or cough – this could be a cough that lasts a long time and dosen’t't seem to go away, as sometimes seen with lung cancer. Cancer of the larynx (insist box) or thyroid gland may cause hoarseness.
One noticing any of these major changes or other changes of the body should seek medical attention. There are several places one can go for abet. Cancer Care has a website, www.cancercare.org, where one can glean information about cancer and procure support for his/herself or family members that already have it. Their toll-free number is 1-800-813-4673. The National Cancer Institute is another place that also provides accurate information concerning cancer to the public and patients. Their website is www.cancer.gov, and their toll free number is 1-800-422-6237. Lastly, the American cancer Society can provide support and information. One can contact them at www.cancer.org, or 1-800-227-2345. Treatment works better in the early stages which is why one should not ignore signs and symptoms.
If someone believes signs or symptoms of cancer are noticeable it is important that one gets the medical help necessary to detect the cause of your signs and/or symptoms whether it is cancer or something else. Being provided the information about some of the most common signs and symptoms one has a better chance of detecting the cancer at its prime and has a better chance of fighting it. Do not ignore signs and symptoms; they could result in life changing consequences.
Source: American Cancer Society, Inc, Last Revised: 01/06/2010, http://www.cancer.org
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on Sep 2nd, 2011. 