6 different types of physical symptoms that might be cancer.
There are many people who are terrified of cancer. We have an extremely “smart” body. When the body develops cancer, our bodies will communicate that something is wrong. If you see any of these symptoms, you should pay attention to them and seek immediate medical assistance.
1. Lumps and nodules on the body
The first thing that may come to mind when a lump or nodule develops in a particular area of the body is maybe a tumour. But don’t freak out; it could be benign or non-beneficial, like an inflammatory mass.
We can offer a preliminary assessment for mass nodules:
Look at the nodule’s size; the smaller the nodule, the more probable it is to be harmless. Of course, this is not always the case, so pay close attention to the results of the follow-up examination. If the nodule is larger than 1 cm, more care should be taken. Along with the size itself, other essential reference points include the trend and rate of size change. Malignant nodules frequently continue to grow, especially those that do so quickly, therefore extra care should be taken with them.
Second, consider the texture. Soft or cystic masses typically have a benign nature, whereas hard, firm, or solid masses typically have a malignant one. However, lymphoma’s swollen lymph nodes are harsh to the touch.
Third, consider the boundary and activity. Benign tumours often have clear boundaries and good activity, but the majority of malignant tumours frequently attach or merge with neighbouring tissues, have hazy borders, and have low activity.
2. An undiagnosed ongoing fever
The first thing we should consider when a fever develops is its cause. We must be aware of the risk of cancer and do pertinent examinations as soon as feasible if the reason of the fever is unknown and it persists.
3. Unexpected weight loss and exhaustion
It is important to identify the causes if you don’t actively try to lose weight and exercise, don’t purposefully start a diet, or if your weight loss is progressive, comes with anorexia, extreme fatigue, or other symptoms. One of the signs of cancer may also include weariness and weight loss.
4. There is bleeding but no injuries.
To rule out colon and stomach cancer, non-traumatic abnormal bleeding such as blood in the stool or hematemesis should be closely monitored; Hemoptysis and blood in the sputum are signs of lung cancer, whereas irregular vaginal bleeding or bleeding that does not correspond to the menstrual cycle could indicate endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.
Cancer and other gynaecological tumours; painless hematuria or dysuria; urinary tract tumours to be on the lookout for; non-traumatic epistaxis; make sure to rule out nasopharyngeal cancer.
5. Consistent digestive issues
For the majority of people, indigestion and loss of appetite are just temporary. Don’t assume that indigestion is a generic “stomach disease” if it persists or is accompanied with acid regurgitation, heartburn, upper abdominal pain, or discomfort. Instead, be on the lookout for gastric or esophageal cancer.
6. Changing bowel habits and characteristics
Alternating constipation and diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits, frequency, or features (thinning of the stool, pus, blood, mucus, etc.) may raise a red flag for colon cancer and need hospital assessment.
