Signs and symptoms of cancer
Though each type of cancer has specific signs and symptoms, some symptoms are universal to nearly all types of cancer. Such symptoms include
- unintended weight loss, often rapid
- general sense of not feeling well (malaise)
- fatigue that does not improve with sleep and rest
- unexplained FEVER or night sweats
- swollen though painless LYMPH nodes
- unexplained loss of APPETITE
Early symptoms are general and may indicate numerous health conditions other than cancer. However, early detection and diagnosis of cancer presents the best opportunity for successful treatment. Possible cancer symptoms in combination with risk factors such as age over 50 years, cigarette smoking, or OBESITY are more suspicious.
Specific symptoms of certain cancers that are worthy of a doctor’s assessment include
- prolonged COUGH, which may suggest laryngeal cancer or LUNG CANCER
- a wound or sore that does not heal, which may suggest SKIN CANCER
- a change in bowel habits or rectal bleeding, which may suggest COLORECTAL CANCER
- a lump in the BREAST or testicle, which may suggest BREAST CANCER or TESTICULAR CANCER
- extended NAUSEA, VOMITING, or DIARRHEA may suggest ESOPHAGEAL CANCER, STOMACH CANCER, PANCREATIC CANCER, or colorectal cancer
See also BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION; CANCER PREVENTION; DIAGNOSING CANCER; LYMPH NODE; TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION.
