The Symptoms Associated with Cancer

The term cancer actually refers to a large group diseases that’s capable of producing nearly any sign or symptom imaginable. The symptoms that manifest in a cancer patient depend on several specific factors:

• Where the cancer is located within the body
• The size of the tumor
• By what degree it has begun to affect the internal organs

Aggressive forms of cancer can begin to spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. This not only makes the disease much more difficult to treat, but it also means that symptoms may begin to manifest in different areas of the body.

Even with much more advanced methods of treatment available for cancer, a patient stands a much better chance when their disease is identified at an early stage. This is why it is so crucial to mindful of the symptoms associated with these diseases– it serves as the reasoning behind several widespread awareness campaigns such as the NFL’s Crucial Catch Campaign.

Being able to identify many of the more general symptoms associated with cancer is an important first step, but the presence of these warning flags is not necessarily indicative of cancer. This is why you should never ignore these situations and should get them checked by a professional immediately.

Unexplained Weight Loss

This is a very common sign of cancer development. Dropping weight for no apparent reason is referred to as an unexplained weight loss. People who suddenly drop 10 pounds or more could easily be the first indication of cancer. It’s especially common for the following diseases:

• Esophageal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Lung Cancer

Fever

This is another common symptom of cancer, although it could be an indication that the disease has begun to spread. The vast majority of cancer patients will become feverish from time to time as their immune systems struggle to fend off this illness. It’s actually less common for fevers to occur during the early stages of the disease.

Chronic Pain

Most people out there have heard that cancer patients must suffer through some intense pain– some brought about by the disease and others caused by the treatments. Odd or hard to explain cases of chronic pain could be an indication of a tumor that has begun to press against various organs and tissues. However, chronic pain is more likely a sign that the disease has begun to metastasize to other parts of the body.

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue can be caused by a wide range of medical conditions in addition to cancer. If it is associated with a form of cancer, then it could be another sign that the disease has begun to spread (later stage symptom). However with cancers like leukemia or colon cancer, then chronic fatigue could manifest during the earlier stages of development.

Other general signs and symptoms associated with cancer include:

• Lump or thick patch of tissue felt under the skin
• Yellowing, darkening or reddening of the skin
• Alterations to existing moles or odd skin alterations
• Sores that don’t heal properly
• Persistent coughing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Unusual amount of indigestion after eating that doesn’t subside
• Unusual pain in the joints or muscles

If you or a loved one has exhibited any of these symptoms recently, please make an appointment with your doctor immediately. People who have a family medical history of cancer should be aware of the screening tests that are available, as well as the most appropriate procedures recommended for their age group.