Tuesday, December 8, 2015

What are cancer symptoms?

A symptom is defined as the signal of disease, illness, injury or a problem in the body. Symptoms are not always easily seen Malignancies meeting
Cancer can cause almost any sign or symptom, depending on the location and size of the tumor, as well as its effects on organs or tissues. Cancer that has spread, or metastasized, may cause symptoms in other parts of the body. As it grows, it can push on nearby organs, blood vessels and nerves, causing some signs and symptoms of disease. Even small tumors, in critical parts of the body such as the brain, can cause symptoms.
Recognizing symptoms
Symptoms can sometimes not present themselves until cancer has grown quite large; for example, in the pancreas. Once the cancer in the pancreas grows large enough to press on nearby nerves or organs, symptoms may present. Other cancers in the pancreas may grow around the bile duct and prevent the flow of bile, causing yellowing (jaundice) of the eyes and skin. The cancer is usually in an advanced stage by the time these symptoms present, signaling the growth and spread of the cancer beyond the pancreas.
Cancer can also cause signs and symptoms, including fever, fatigue or weight loss. These symptoms may be caused by cancer cells using the body’s energy supply or releasing substances that change the way the body makes energy from food. Cancer can also cause the immune system to react in ways to produce these symptoms.
Substances released in the bloodstream by cancer may cause symptoms not typically linked with cancer. For example, pancreatic cancers can cause blood clots in leg veins; some lung cancers produce hormone-like substances that raise blood calcium levels, affecting the nerves and muscles and resulting in weakness and dizziness.
General signs and symptoms of cancer include:
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Fever.
  • Fatigue.
  • Pain.
  • Skin changes.
  • Symptoms of specific cancers include:
  • Change in bowel habits or bladder function (colon, bladder or prostate cancers).
  • Sores that do not heal (skin or oral cancers).
  • White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue (leukoplakia; sometimes leading to oral cancer).
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge (lung, gastrointestinal, gynecologic or urologic cancers).
  • Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body (breast, testicular, lymph node or soft tissue cancers).
  • Indigestion or trouble swallowing (gastrointestinal cancers).
  • Recent change in a wart or mole; any new skin change (skin cancers).
  • Nagging cough or hoarseness (voice box, thyroid or lung cancers).
Other general symptoms of cancer can include:
  • Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
  • Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
  • Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
If persistent symptoms are causing concern, make an appointment with a doctor.
There are many other, less common symptoms of cancer. It is always best to speak with your physician regarding any new symptoms or signs, as they may or may not be related to c