 Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases that may cause almost any symptom or no
symptoms at all depending on the location and size. It can spread from its
origin and new symptoms may appear. During growth, it will invade other
organs, blood vessels or nerves and cause these new symptoms.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Over
22% of all deaths are from cancer. Unlike the other leading causes of
death, cancer has not been reduced by very much since 1950. Heart disease
has been cut by more than half as has pneumonia and influenza.
Cerebrovascular diseases have been reduced by 70%. Cancer had been reduced
by 2% as of 2000 since 1950.
Rates of cancer have been fairly stable since the mid 1990s.
The most common type of cancer is the nonmelanoma skin cancer. It
accounts for half of all cancers diagnosed in the US. Melanoma is still
rising in white Americans.
General Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer has no specific symptoms, because every complaint for cancer can be
explained by a harmless condition too. But, there are some symptoms you
should not ignore.
Anemia - Many cancers can cause anemia, but bowel cancers are a common
cause. Unless there is an obvious reason, such as menstruation in women,
consult your doctor.
Appetite Loss - A frequent symptom reported by cancer victims.
Causes poor nutrition in cancer patients. As many as 80% of cancer
patients experience this symptom.
Back pain - Common symptom of daily activity, but can be found in
ovarian cancer.
Bloating - Common symptom of gastric activity, but can be found in
ovarian cancer.
Blood clots - Pancreatic cancer can release substances which cause
clotting in the veins of the legs.
Blood in the stool - A doctor should always be seen for this symptom.
Hemorrhoids are the usual cause of rectal bleeding, but they are common along
with cancer. You may just need X-rays to determine the cause.
Blood in the urine - Urinary tract infections, kidney stones and other
conditions can cause a person to have blood in their urine, but it can be
symptomatic of bladder or kidney cancer. Please, visit your doctor if you
do experience blood in your urine.
Bowel habit changes - Very thin-sized stools are a symptom of colon
cancer. Diarrhea can also be a symptom occasionally.
Breast lump or discharge - Most lumps that are found in the breast are
noncancerous tumors such as a fibrous cyst. But, you will need to let your
doctor check to ensure this is the case. Discharge from breasts is common,
but cancer can cause this too. Check to make sure if it is only from one
nipple or that there may be blood in the discharge. Monthly self-exams are
very much encouraged, so that you can be aware of any changes in the breast.
Cough or blood-tinged saliva - A persistent cough could be caused by sinusitis
or bronchitis. Symptoms of cancer of the head, lung, neck. See a doctor if
the cough lasts more than 1 month or if there is blood in the mucus which is
coughed up.
Fatigue - Cancer cells can begin to use up the body's energy, change
the body's metabolism or cause the immune system to react to its invasion and
cause you to be tired. Lung cancer can make hormone-like substances that
affect calcium levels in the body which affect the nerves and muscles of the
body and cause weakness or even dizziness.
Fever - An unexplained fever can be caused by infection or different
types of cancer.
Headaches - Cancer is not a common cause of headaches, but a severe
headache with no relief can be a symptom of cancer. If you have tried
over-the-counter medications and they do not work, please visit your doctor.
Hoarseness - Respiratory infections, allergies, polyps on the vocal
cords can be benign conditions that can cause a raspy voice. By throat
cancer can also cause a hoarse voice. If the hoarseness lasts for more
than a month, please consult your physician.
Indigestion or trouble swallowing - Many people suffer from chronic
heartburn, but they do not normally have a serious problem. However, if
you have chronic heartburn and over-the-counter antacids do not seem to help,
you might want to have an upper Gastro-Intestinal Endoscopy performed to ensure
you do not have a more serious problem. Some conditions can lead to cancer
of the esophagus, but are treatable before they progress that far.
Difficultly swallowing is common in seniors, but it can be symptomatic of
esophageal cancer.
Itching in anus or on genitals - precancerous or cancerous skin
conditions of the genital or anal area can cause persistent itching. There
may also be changes in the color of the skin in this area. There are
infections and skin conditions which can also cause these same symptoms.
If you try over-the-counter medications on the area and the itching does not
subside, your doctor should inspect the area.
Mole or wart changes - Moles with irregular edges or moles that bleed
can be symptomatic of cancerous tumors. Size does matter. The larger
the mole, the more concerned you should be. Doctors normally remove an
suspicious moles, so that they can be examined for skin cancer.
Pelvic pain - Common symptom of daily activity, but can be found in
ovarian cancer.
Sores - The average sore heals quickly. If you have a sore that
does not heal, please have your doctor inspect the site. You may also need
to watch for sores that do not heal in the mouth. If you have white or red
patches on the gums, tonsils, or tongue, please visit your dentist and have them
look at the area.
Sweating, nighttime - night sweats can be symptomatic of different
types of cancer or infections.
Swollen Glands - Lymph nodes or glands often swell from harmless
conditions. If a lump remains swollen for more than 1 month, please have
your doctor look at it. Lymph glands can swell from cancer.
Testicle lump - Lumps on the testicle can be cancerous or noncancerous
whether they have pain or not. Many times the testicles will become
enlarged, have swollen veins or even have an infection if cancer is present.
It is best to examine them monthly for changes.
Urination changes - Changes in the urinary patters can be a symptom of
several different things. The frequency of urination, the flow and the
size of the stream may change. If you have blood in the urine, pain or
burning when urinating or cloudy urine, you need to have it checked Most
men, as they age, will suffer from an enlarged prostate which can have the same
symptoms as cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged
prostate or prostate cancer, a visit to the doctor can let you know what is
happening. Some of these symptoms can also be associated with bladder
cancer or pelvic tumors.
Vaginal bleeding or discharge - Vaginal bleeding or a blood discharge
from the vagina can be an early sign of uterine cancer. If you have
bleeding between menstruation cycles or after sex, you should see your doctor.
If you are postmenopausal and experience bleeding that is not a side-effect of
your hormone therapy, please ask you doctor about it.
Weight loss - Unexpected and unexplained weight loss can be a symptom
of several types of cancer, but it could be from different kinds of infections
also. Weight loss needs to be prevented in anyone undergoing cancer
treatment.
Symptoms for Specific Types of Cancers
Anal cancer: Changes in bowel habits; lump near anus;
rectal bleeding; anal discharge; itching, or pain.
Bladder cancer: Blood in the urine, pain or a burning
sensation upon urination; frequent urination; or cloudy urine.
Bone cancer: Pain in the bone or swelling around the
affected site; fractures in bones; weakness, fatigue; weight loss; repeated
infections; nausea, vomiting, constipation, problems with urination; weakness or
numbness in the legs; bumps and bruises that persist.
Brain cancer: Dizziness; drowsiness; abnormal eye
movements or changes in vision; weakness, loss of feeling in arms or legs or
difficulties walking; convulsions; changes in personality, memory or speech;
headaches that tend to be worse in the morning and ease during the day and may
be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Breast cancer: A lump or thickening of the breast;
either clear or bloody discharge from the nipple; change in the skin of the breast; a feeling of heat;
tenderness of the breast; pain in the nipple; inverted or scaly nipples;
swelling of the overall breast;
or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm.
Cervical cancer: Abnormal bleeding between
menstrual cycles; heavy discharge; pelvic pain; or pain during urination.
Colon cancer: Blood in stool; weight loss; changes
in bowel habits; pain in abdomen; or fatigue.
Colorectal cancer: Rectal bleeding; abdominal cramps;
constipation alternating with diarrhea; weight loss; loss of appetite; weakness;
pallid complexion.
Endometrial cancer: Abnormal bleeding between menstrual
cycles; heavy bleeding during irregular menstrual cycles; pain during sex; pain
in the pelvis, legs or back; pain or difficulty urinating; enlarged uterus;
vaginal discharge; or weight loss.
Kidney cancer: Blood in urine; dull ache or pain in the
back or side; lump in the kidney area, sometimes accompanied by high blood
pressure or an abnormality in red blood cell count; fatigue; ankle or legs
swelling; hypertension; fever; or lump in the abdomen.
Leukemia: Weakness, paleness or fatigue; fever and flu-like
symptoms; bruising or prolonged bleeding; enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, or
liver; pain in bones and joints; frequent infections; weight loss; night sweats;
or abdominal pain.
Lung cancer: Wheezing; persistent cough for months;
blood-streaked mucus; persistent ache in chest; congestion in lungs; hoarseness;
weight loss; pneumonia or bronchitis that recurs; shortness of breath; enlarged
lymph nodes in the neck.
Lymphoma: Swelling of the lymph nodes; weight loss;
fatigue; night sweats; fever; and a feeling of being itchy with no apparent
cause.
Melanoma: Changes in a mole or other bump on the skin,
including bleeding or change in size, shape, color, or texture.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Painless swelling in the lymph
nodes of the neck, underarm, or groin; persistent fever; fatigue; weight loss;
itchy skin and rashes; small lumps in skin; bone pain; swelling in the abdomen;
liver or spleen enlargement.
Oral cancer: A lump in the mouth, ulceration of the lip,
tongue or inside of the mouth that does not heal within a couple of weeks;
dentures that no longer fit; oral pain, bleeding, foul breath, loose teeth, and
changes in speech.
Ovarian cancer: Abdominal swelling; abnormal vaginal
bleeding; digestive discomfort
Pancreatic cancer: Upper abdominal pain; weight loss;
pain near the center of the back; intolerance of fatty foods; yellowing of the
skin; glucose intolerance; fatigue; abdominal pain; abdominal masses; enlargement of liver and spleen.
Penile Cancer: Sores or lesions on or within the penis;
bleeding; or discharge.
Prostate cancer: Inability to urinate; bladder not emptying completely;
frequent urination; burning or painful urination;
bloody urine; pelvic pain; back pain; hip pain; and weight loss.
Skin Cancer: Bump that becomes an open sore; sore that
oozes or bleeds; red, irritated area; yellow or white area that looks like a
scar; a pink bump; mole-like bump or freckle that changes shape, size or color.
Stomach cancer: Indigestion or heartburn; discomfort or
pain in the abdomen; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea or constipation; bloating
after meals; loss of appetite; weight loss; weakness and fatigue; vomiting blood or blood in
the stool.
Uterine cancer: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery
bloody discharge in postmenopausal women; a painful urination; pain during
intercourse; pain in the pelvic area.
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