INTRODUCTION TO CANCER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Cancer often has no specific systems so it is important that people limit their risk factors and
undergo appropriate cancer screening. Most cancer screening is a specific to certain age group
and your primary care doctor will know what screening to perform depending on your age.
People with risk factors for cancer example smokers, heavy alcohol users, high sun exposure,
genetics should be acutely of potential cancer symptoms and signs be evaluated by physician if
any develop.

Consequently, individual needs to know which symptoms might point to cancer people should
ignore a warning symptom that might lead to early diagnosis and possible to care.

Persistent cough or blood-tingled saliva

The symptoms usually represent simple infection such as bronchitis. They could be symptoms of
cancer of the lung head and neck. Anyone with nagging cough that lasts more than a month or
with blood in the mucus that is coughed up should see a doctor.

A change in bowel habits

A change in bowel habits Most changes related as it related to your diet and fluid intake.
Doctors sometimes see pencil, their stool with a colon cancer. Occasionally, cancer exhibits
continuous diarrhea. Some people with a cancer feel as if they need to a bowel movement. If any
of these abnormal bowel complaints lost more than a few days, they require evaluation.

Blood in Stool

A doctor always investigates blood in your stool.

Hemorrhoids frequently are so common; they may exist with cancer. Therefore, even when you
have hemorrhoids you should have a doctor examine your entire intestinal track when you have
blood in your bowel movement with some individual x-rays studies may be enough to clarify a
diagnosis. Colonscopy is usually recommended. Sometimes when the source of bleeding is
entirely clear (for example, reluctant ulcers, these studies may not be studied.
Low blood count or unexplained anemia

Anemia is a condition in which people have fewer than the expected number of red blood cells in
their blood. Anemia should always be investigated. There are many kids of anemia, but blood
loss almost always causes iron deficiency anemia. Evaluation should include endoscopy or x-
rays of your upper and lower intestinal track. Most breast lumps or breast discharge are mon
cancerous tumor such as Fibrodimonas on cysts. But all breast lumps need to be thoroughly
investigated. A negative mammogram. Results is not usually sufficient to evaluates a breast
lump. Your doctor needs to determine the appropriate x-rays study which might include an MRI
or Ultrasound of breast.

Generally, diagnosis a needle aspiration or biopsy (a small tissue sample). Discharge from breast
is common but some forms of discharge may be signs of cancer. If discharge is bloody or from
only one nipple, further evaluation is recommended. Women are advised to conduct monthly
breast self- examination.

Lump in the Testicles

Most men with the cancer of testicles have a painless or uncomfortable lump on a testicle. Some
have enlarged testicle. Other conditions such as infection or swollen veins, can also cause
changes in your testicles but any lump should be evaluated. Men are advised to conduct monthly
testicular self-examination.

A charge in Urination

Urinary symptoms can include frequent urination, small amounts of urine and slow urine flow or
general change in bladder functions. These can be caused by urinary infection (usually in
women) or; In men, by an enlarged prostate gland. Most men will suffer from harmless prostate
enlargement as they age and will often have these urinary symptoms. These symptoms may also
signal prostate cancer. Men experiencing urinary symptoms need further investigations possibly
including blood tests and digital rectal exam. The PSA blood test, it is indication and
interpretation of results should be discussed with your health care provider. If cancer is
suspected, a biopsy of the prostate may be needed. Cancer of bladder and pelvic tumors can also
irritation of the bladder and urinary frequency.
Blood in the urine or Hematurin can be caused by urinary infection kidney stones, or other
causes. For some people, it is a symptom of cancer of the bladder or kidney. Any episode of
blood in the urine should be investigated.

Hoarseness

Hoarseness not caused by respiratory infection or that lasts longer than three to four weeks
should be evaluated. Hoarseness can be caused by simple allergy or by vocal cord noluse but it
could also be the first sign of cancer of the throat.

Persistent Lumps or swollen Glands

Lumps most frequently represent harmless conditions such as being scyst. A doctor should
examine new lump oer a lump that wont go away, Lumps may represent cancer or swollen
Lymph gland related to cancer. Lymph nodes swell from infection and other causes and may take
weeks shrink again. A lymph or gland that remains swollen for three to four weeks, should be
evaluated.

Obvious change in want or a mole

A mole that have irregular edges or blood may be cancerous Larger moles are more worrisome
and need to be evaluated, especially if they seem to be enlarging, removing a mole is usually
simple you should have a doctor to evaluate any suspicious mole for removal. The doctor will
send it for examination under a microscope for skin cancer.

Indigestion or Difficult Swallowing

Most people with chronic heartburn usually do not have a serious problem. People who suffer
from chronic or lasting symptoms despites using over, the counter antacids may need to have a
upper endoscopy.

A condition called bannett esophagus which can lead to cancer of the esophagus, can be treated
with medication and then monitored by a doctor. Difficulty swallowing is a common problem
especially in elderly people and has many causes. Swallowing problem need to be investigated
because nutrition is always important.
Unusual vaginal bleeding or sichsrge

This may be an early sign of cancer od uterus, women should be evaluated when they have
bleeding after intercourse or bleeding between periods. Bleedingthan expected, or that is
heavier than usual also merits medical examination. Postmenstrual bleeding, unless expected on
hormone therapy, is also worrisome and should be evaluated. Usually the evaluation will include
an endometrial biopsy, in which a doctor takes a small tissue sample from inside the uterus for
testing- A pap smear should be part of every womans medical care.

Unexpected weight loss, night sweater, or Fever.

These nonspecific symptoms might be present with several different types of cancers. Various
function of infections can lead to similar symptoms (For example tuberculosis)

Continued Itching in the anal or genital area

Precancerous or cancerous conditions of the skin of the genital or anal areas can cause persistent
itching. Some cancers cause skin color changes. Several infections or psorians also can cause
these symptoms. If Itching does not stop with over-the-counter normal medications your doctor
should inspect the area.

Back pain, Pelvic pain, bloating

These are common symptoms of daily life, often related to food intake, muscles spams or strains,
but they also can be seen in ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is particularly difficult to that
because it is frequently diagnosed lute in the cause of the disease the American cancer society
and other physician more aware and consider this diagnosis if the classic symptoms are present.
Headaches

Headaches have many causes (for example migrains aneuryms) but cancer is not a common one.
A form usual can be a sign of cancer but aneurysms may present in the same way. If your
headache fails to improve with over-the-counter medications, see a doctor promptly.

Non-hearing sores

Sores generally heal quickly. If an area fails to heal, you may have cancer and should see a
doctor. Non healing sores in your mouth or persistent white or red patches on your gums, tongue,
or tonsils are also should raise concerns some non-healing sores may be due to poor circulation
(for example, diabetic foot ulcers)