Hidden symptoms of cancer
Cognition of cancer in the early stages is crucial for successful treatment and increased survival. However, many types of cancer are manifested using subtle, non -specific symptoms, which are often ignored or attributed to less serious diseases. These “hidden symptoms” can be decisive tips that will help accelerate diagnosis and begin timely treatment. Understanding these symptoms, especially in combination with information about risk factors and recommended screening programs, can give people the opportunity to take responsibility for their health and seek medical help when any alarming changes appear. This article discusses various hidden symptoms that can be associated with various types of cancer, emphasizing the need for vigilance and timely seeking a doctor.
Inexplicable weight loss
Inexplicable weight loss, especially when it is significant (for example, 10 pounds or more) and occurs over a short period of time without any changes in the diet or exercise mode, is a potentially serious sign. Although there are many reasons for weight loss, cancer is one of the most important that should be excluded. Various types of cancer, especially pancreatic cancer, stomach, esophagus and lungs, can cause weight loss due to several mechanisms. Firstly, cancer cells can consume a huge amount of energy, depriving the body of the necessary nutrients. Secondly, cancer tumors can distinguish substances called cytokines that affect appetite and metabolism, leading to a decrease in food consumption and increasing muscle breakdown. Thirdly, some types of cancer can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. If you have inexplicable weight loss, it is important to consult a doctor for a thorough examination, which may include blood tests, visualization and other diagnostic tests to determine the main reason. In addition to cancer, other causes, such as hyperthyroidism, depression, infection and digestive disorders, can also cause weight loss, and it is important to exclude them.
Inexplicable fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom that most people experience at some point in their lives. However, if fatigue is strong, constant and is not facilitated by rest, it should be considered as a potential symptom of cancer. Continued with cancer Fatigue (CRF) differs from ordinary fatigue; It is described as an exhausting sense of exhaustion, which is disproportionate to the activity that a person performs. CRF can occur due to many factors associated with cancer, including cancer cells competing with normal cells for energy, the release of cytokines affecting energy metabolism, and anemia, which can be caused by cancer or its treatment. Various types of cancer can cause CRF, including blood cancer (leukemia, lymphoma), lung cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. It is important to note that CRF can significantly affect the quality of life of a person, making it difficult to fulfill everyday activity and a decrease in the ability to function. If you experience inexplicable and persistent fatigue, it is important to consult a doctor to evaluate. It can include blood tests for anemia and other anomalies, as well as other diagnostic tests to determine the main cause of fatigue.
Permanent cough or hoarse voice
Permanent cough or hoarse of voice, which lasts more than a few weeks, especially if they are not associated with the cold or infection of the upper respiratory tract, can be a sign of lung cancer, laryngeal cancer or thyroid cancer. Lung cancer can cause coughing, irritating the respiratory tract or causing fluid accumulation in the lungs. It can also cause hoarse voice if the tumor presses on the nerve that controls the vocal cords. Lart cancer, which develops in the vocal apparatus, can directly cause hoarseness of the voice or change in the voice. Thyroid cancer, located in the front of the neck, can put pressure on the larynx and cause hoarse of voice or difficult swallowing. It is important to consult a doctor if you have a constant cough or hoarse voice that do not pass, especially if you smoke or are subjected to other risk factors for the development of lung cancer or head and neck. The doctor may prescribe a chest x -ray, CT, or laryngoscopy to identify any main cause.
Changes in the intestines or bladder
Changes in the habits of the intestines or bladder, which are preserved for a long period of time, can be a sign of colon cancer, bladder cancer or prostate cancer. Changes in intestinal habits can include diarrhea, constipation, changes in the consistency of the stool or blood in the chair. The colon cancer can cause these symptoms, blocking the colon or causing bleeding. Changes in the habits of the bladder may include frequent urination, urgent urination, blood in the urine or difficult urination. The bladder cancer can cause these symptoms, irritating the mucous membrane of the bladder or causing bleeding. The prostate cancer, located below the bladder in men, can press on the urethra and cause difficult urination, frequent urination or a weak flow of urine. It is important to consult a doctor if you notice any persistent changes in the habits of the intestines or bladder, especially if you have risk factors for the development of these types of cancer, such as family history or elderly age. The doctor may prescribe colonoscopy, cystoscopy or blood tests to identify the main cause.
Non -healing wounds
Wounds that do not heal for several weeks, or new moles that change in size, shape or color can be a sign of skin cancer. Skin cancer, the most common type of cancer, can occur on any part of the body, but most often occurs in areas subject to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms and legs. There are several types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinum, flat cell carcino and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and flat cell carcinoma, as a rule, grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma, on the other hand, is a more aggressive type of skin cancer, which can spread to other organs if it is not treated at an early stage. Moles that change in size, shape or color, or having irregular boundaries, can also be a sign of melanoma. It is important to regularly conduct a self -examination of the skin and contact a dermatologist for an annual skin examination, especially if you have risk factors for the development of skin cancer, such as family history, light skin or anamnesis of sunburn. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can significantly improve the results.
Difficult swallowing
Difficult swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be a sign of human esophagus cancer, stomach cancer or cancer of the head and neck. The esophagus cancer, which is a pipe connecting the mouth with the stomach, can cause difficult swallowing, narrowing the esophagus or causing a tumor that prevents the passage of food. Gastric cancer can cause difficult swallowing, crushing on the esophagus or causing a tumor in the stomach that prevents the passage of food. Cancer of the head and neck, which can include cancer of the mouth, throat or larynx, can also cause difficult swallowing, affecting the muscles and nerves that control swallowing. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience persistent difficulties when swallowing, especially if they are accompanied by pain, weight loss or vomiting. The doctor may prescribe endoscopy or barium radiography to identify the main cause.
Blood in sputum
Blood in sputum (mucus curtailed from lungs) can be a sign of lung cancer. Lung cancer can cause bleeding in the respiratory tract, which leads to the appearance of blood in sputum. Blood can be scarlet or mixed with mucus. It is important to consult a doctor if you are jerking blood, especially if you smoke or are subjected to other risk factors for the development of lung cancer. The doctor may prescribe a chest x -ray, CT or bronchoscopy to identify the main cause. Other causes of blood in sputum may include infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, or lung diseases, such as tuberculosis.
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Unusual bleeding or discharge, especially from the vagina, rectum or nipples, can be a sign of uterine cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer or breast cancer. Bleeding after menopause, bleeding between menstruation or unusually abundant menstrual bleeding can be signs of uterine cancer or cervical cancer. Blood in the chair can be a sign of colon cancer or rectum cancer. Distillations from the nipples, especially if they are bloody or watery, can be a sign of breast cancer. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any unusual bleeding or discharge, especially if you have risk factors for the development of these types of cancer. The doctor may prescribe a papanicolau smear, colonoscopy, mammography or other diagnostic tests to identify the main cause.
Seals or thickening
Seals or thickening in the mammary gland, testicles, lymph nodes or other parts of the body can be a sign of cancer. Seals in the mammary gland can be a sign of breast cancer. Seals in the testicles can be a sign of testicular cancer. An increase in lymph nodes, especially if they are painless, can be a sign of lymphoma or leukemia. Any new or changing seal or thickening in the body should be evaluated by a doctor. The doctor may prescribe a physical examination, biopsy or visualization to determine the main cause.
Constant pain
Constant pain, which does not pass, may be a sign of cancer, especially if it is localized in a certain area of the body. For example, constant bone pain can be a sign of bone cancer, and a constant headache can be a sign of a brain tumor. The pain can be caused by a tumor pressing on the nerves or organs, or cancer spreading to bones or other tissues. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience constant pain that does not pass, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue or fever. The doctor can prescribe visualization, such as x -ray, CT or MRI, to identify the main cause.
The importance of vigilance and timely seeking medical help
Recognition of hidden symptoms of cancer and seeking medical care at an early stage can significantly improve treatment results. It is important to be attentive to changes in your body and report any alarming symptoms to your doctor. Regular examinations and screening tests, such as mammography, papanicolau smear and colonoscopy, can also help identify cancer in the early stages when it is easier to treat. In addition to vigilance and timely seeking medical help, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including healthy diet, regular physical exercises and smoking, can also help reduce the risk of cancer.