During Cancer Awareness Week, we discussed 16 symptoms of cancers seen in women with the Medical Oncology Specialists at Hisar Intercontinental Hospital…
1. Changes in the breast: Although lumps seen in the breast are often considered a sign of cancer, not every lump means you have cancer. However, it is very important to perform regular breast self-examinations every month for early diagnosis and treatment. If you notice any dullness in the skin of your breast, retraction of the nipple, discharge from the nipple, redness, or any differences in your breast skin, be sure to consult your doctor. Your doctor may request tests, including a mammogram.
2. Bloating: If you are experiencing unexplained bloating despite being careful with your diet, and if it is accompanied by weight loss and bleeding, be sure to consult your doctor. Persistent bloating can sometimes indicate ovarian, stomach, or esophageal cancer. A pelvic exam, endoscopy, as well as blood tests and ultrasound may be performed to investigate the cause of the problem.
3. Bleeding between menstrual periods: If you experience spotting outside of your menstrual period, be sure to consult your gynecologist. There can be many reasons for this bleeding. Your doctor will likely request tests to rule out the risk of endometrial cancer (uterine lining cancer). If you are in menopause and still have bleeding, consult your doctor without delay.
4. Skin changes: Changes in the size, shape, and color of your moles, which can also be a sign of skin cancer, should not be ignored and require a visit to the doctor. You may need to undergo a comprehensive examination and possibly a biopsy.
5. Blood in stool: Bleeding from hemorrhoids or anal fissures typically lasts no more than one or two days. If the bleeding lasts more than two days, you must consult your doctor. Because bloody stool can be a sign of colon and rectal cancer, while bloody urine can indicate bladder and kidney cancer.
6. Swelling in lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands located throughout the body. Swelling in lymph nodes is considered normal in cases of infection. However, some types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause lymph node swelling. If you have a lump-like lymph swelling that has been present for a month or more, consult your doctor.
7. Difficulty swallowing: Occasional difficulty swallowing is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you have difficulty swallowing along with vomiting or weight loss, consult your doctor. Your doctor may request tests to check for the presence of throat, esophagus, or stomach cancer.
8. Unexplained weight loss: If you have lost more than 5 pounds without making any changes to your diet or exercise habits and cannot stop it, consult your doctor. While stress and thyroid issues can be significant causes of weight loss, sudden weight loss can also be a sign of pancreatic, stomach, and lung cancers. Your doctor may request tests, including a CT scan, blood tests, and imaging tests.
9. Heartburn: Overeating, alcohol, or stress can cause severe heartburn. If you have changed your diet due to heartburn and the problems persist, consult your doctor. Heartburn can be a sign of stomach, throat, and ovarian cancer.
10. Changes in the mouth: If you smoke, the appearance of white or bright red spots in the mouth or on the lips may indicate oral cancer. Consult your doctor or dentist about tests and treatment.
11. High fever: A persistent high fever of unknown origin may be a sign of leukemia or another blood cancer. Therefore, if you have a recurring fever that does not go down, consult your doctor.
12. Fatigue: If your fatigue does not go away even after resting, and if it is accompanied by symptoms such as blood in the stool or weight loss, consult your doctor.
13. Cough: Most coughs resolve on their own within 3 to 4 weeks. If you smoke or have difficulty breathing, this period may be longer. If you cough up blood, do not ignore it and consult your doctor. Coughing, especially coughing up blood, is one of the most common signs of lung cancer.
14. Pain: Cancer does not cause pain. However, persistent pain can be a sign of bone, brain, or other cancers. If you have unexplained pain lasting a month or longer, consult your doctor.
15. Abdominal pain and depression: Although rare, abdominal pain and depression can be symptoms of pancreatic cancer occurring together.
16. Sweating enough to change clothes: This can occur in cases of overactive thyroid or may be a sign of diseases such as lymphoma. Therefore, consult your doctor for a detailed examination.
Updated on 31.03.2015.
