Reviewer: Xinli Zhou (Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University)
When something unusual happens to the body, it may send out some “SOS” signals. Cancer is no exception, and if a tumor develops in the body, some signals tend to appear.
The following cancer signs are important for both men and women and should be paid attention to.
1. Decreased appetite
Many conditions, such as a bad mood or the flu, can reduce appetite. Cancer can alter the rhythm of the body’s metabolism, which can lead to decreased appetite.
In addition, cancers of the stomach, pancreas, colon, and ovary can put pressure on the stomach, making people feel full.
2. Blood in the stool
Cancer can cause abnormal bleeding, as well as problems such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, infection, or pain. When blood is found in the stool, the blood usually comes from the gastrointestinal tract, which is the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
By looking at the color of the blood in the stool, you can roughly determine the source of the bleeding:
Bright red means blood comes from the rectum or end of the rectum.
Dark red or even black, tar-like means the blood is coming from further afield, such as bleeding from a stomach ulcer.
No matter what the cause, blood in your stool needs to be checked. Patients may need colonoscopy or other tests.
3. Hematuria
Blood in the urine can be an early warning sign of a urinary tract problem.
Kidney or bladder cancer can cause this symptom, but it can also be caused by a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or kidney disease.
4. Continuous cough
A cold or flu can cause a cough, but it’s also very likely a potential symptom of lung cancer, along with the warning signs of chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Especially if you are a smoker, seek medical attention if your cough persists.
5. Extreme fatigue
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
This is one of the most common symptoms of cancer.
The fatigue mentioned here is not ordinary fatigue, but a feeling of exhaustion that cannot be relieved. If you’re still listless after exercising or increasing your sleep time, see your doctor.
6. Continuous fever
A rise in body temperature is usually a symptom of an infection. But some cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, and kidney and liver cancers, can also cause fevers to persist.
7. Neck lump
Infection can be the cause, but the lymph nodes in the neck are also early warning signs of cancer of the mouth, throat, thyroid, and larynx.
Lumps from cancer are usually not painful.
If the lymph nodes in the neck don’t get smaller or continue to grow, see your doctor right away.
8. Night sweats
For middle-aged women, night sweats are often a symptom of menopause. But night sweats can also be a symptom of cancer or infection.
9. Skin changes
A warning sign of skin cancer is the continued growth of abnormal tissue on the skin, or the inability of the wound to heal.
See a dermatologist if:
The affected area becomes larger and thicker;
Color change;
Oddly shaped edges;
The affected area is larger than the eraser;
Wounds that do not heal for a long time.
10. Swollen lymph nodes
Lumps in the lymph nodes in the neck are usually caused by strep throat or other infections. Rarely, cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia can also cause swollen lymph nodes.
Extended breast cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. If it’s a painless lump that doesn’t go away for a week or so, see your doctor for further testing.
11. Difficulty swallowing
A foreign body sensation in the throat is usually a symptom of heartburn.
< i class="desc">Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
In rare cases, if the patient experiences difficulty swallowing or choking on eating, it may be a sign of esophageal cancer.
If the foreign body sensation persists or persists, seek medical attention.
12. Unexplained weight loss
At least 2 in 5 people diagnosed with cancer experience weight loss. This happens for no apparent reason.
If you experience unexplained weight loss, such as 5kg in a month, seek medical attention.
Male-specific symptoms
1. Blood in urine or semen (hematuria or blood semen)
Pink, brown, or red in your urine or semen is usually nothing to worry about. Infections, kidney stones, trauma, and noncancerous prostate enlargement can all cause hematuria. But in rare cases it can also be kidney, bladder or prostate cancer. After your doctor’s visit, your doctor will perform a urine test or other tests to find the cause of the bleeding.
2. Testicular mass
A painless lump may be a warning sign of testicular cancer. Although the lump may be the result of trauma, fluid buildup, or a hernia, it is difficult to infer the cause from these conditions alone, so the patient should seek medical attention.
3. Painful ejaculation or urination
If you experience pain when urinating or ejaculating, it may be caused by an infection or an enlarged prostate/urethra, but it could also be a symptom of prostate cancer. If the pain does not relieve, seek medical attention immediately.
Female-specific symptoms
1. Breast lump or change
Although it is a symptom of breast cancer, most lumps are not cancer. It may be a fluid-filled cyst or a noncancerous tumor.
However, if you notice a new lump in your breast or if it continues to grow, see your doctor promptly to rule out cancer.
In addition, further checks are required if:
Skin redness or sores on the breast;
Breast pain;
Nipple changes;
Lump in the armpit;
Non-milk fluid from the nipple.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
2. Non-menstrual or postmenopausal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding in women is usually menstruation during the fertile period. Postmenopausal or non-menstrual bleeding may be cervical or endometrial cancer.
Seek immediate medical attention if any unusual vaginal bleeding occurs.
Summary
If you notice any of these signs in your life, take action as soon as possible. See your doctor early and get tested. In general, the earlier a disease is detected, the easier it is to treat.
*The content of this article is for the popularization of health knowledge. It cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor can it replace the face-to-face consultation of a licensed physician. It is for reference only.
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