Download Cancer: What Are the Symptoms?

Cancer: What Are the Symptoms?
What are symptoms?
For many health problems, it can be easy to
guess the cause of your symptoms. For example,
if you have a stuffy head, runny nose, and
cough, you probably have a cold.
But sometimes symptoms do not give enough
clues to help us figure out the cause. And many
health problems share the same symptoms. For
example, a fever could be a sign of many
different problems. If the cause of your
symptoms is not clear, you might need to have
X-rays, blood tests, a tissue sample test (biopsy),
or other tests to help your doctor find out what
is wrong.
Finding cancer early
General cancer symptoms
Sometimes cancer causes symptoms that let you
know something is wrong. Cancer that is found
early often can be treated while it is still small
and less likely to have spread to other parts of
your body. You may need fewer or smaller doses
of anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) or radiation
if the cancer is found early. It may also mean
you can have a smaller surgery, if you need
surgery.
Cancers may cause general symptoms such as:
Sometimes people do not go to the doctor
because they are afraid of what they may find
out, or because they do not think a symptom is
a sign of anything serious. You may decide to
not go to the doctor because you hope your
symptoms will just go away, which could
prevent you from getting treatment. Because
early treatment for cancer is so important, learn
what symptoms to watch for. Talk to your doctor
if you are concerned.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fever or sweating.
• Feeling tired all the time.
• Pain.
• Skin changes.
• Unusual bleeding.
• A new lump.
Many things other than cancer can cause these
symptoms. But you should always ask your
doctor about any symptoms that have no clear
cause—especially ones that do not get better
over time or get worse.
There are many kinds of cancer, and symptoms
vary. What symptoms you have depends on:
• The type of cancer.
• The location of the cancer.
• The size of the cancer.
• Whether the cancer has spread to other parts
of the body.
As cancer grows, it may press on organs, blood
vessels, bones, and nerves. This pressure can
cause symptoms. In sensitive areas, such as the
brain, a very small tumor can cause symptoms.
But some cancers, such as cancer of the
pancreas, may grow very large before there are
symptoms. If cancer spreads, symptoms may
appear in more than one part of the body.
Some cancers release substances into your
blood. They can cause blood clots, make you
feel weak or dizzy, or cause other symptoms.
Specific symptoms of cancer
• A sore that does not heal can be a symptom
of skin cancer or mouth cancer.
• A thickening or lump in your breast or other
body part can be a cancer symptom.
• Changes in a wart or mole can be a
symptom of skin cancer.
• Heartburn or trouble swallowing can be a
symptom of cancer of the esophagus, throat,
or stomach.
• A nagging cough or hoarse voice can be a
symptom of cancer of the thyroid, voice box,
or lung.
• Recent, frequent bloating or pain in a
woman's belly or pelvis can be a symptom
of ovarian cancer if it lasts for more than 2
weeks.
What should you do if you have
symptoms?
Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms
that concern you. Even if they are not caused
by cancer, you still may have a health problem
that needs treatment.
• Changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea,
constipation, or a change in stool size) can
be symptoms of colon or rectal cancer.
Where can you find out more?
American Cancer Society:
1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
www.cancer.org
• Urination problems such as pain, blood in
your urine, or having to urinate more or less
often can be symptoms of prostate, kidney,
or bladder cancer.
National Cancer Institute:
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
www.cancer.gov
• Blood in your spit, stools, or urine; from your
nipple; or from your vagina when you are
not having your period can be a symptom of
cancer.
©2007-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise disclaims any liability for use
of this information, which does not replace medical advice.
2012-05-zu1912