Identifying Early Signs of Cancer
There are as many different types of cancer as there are different signs and symptoms of each type. However, there are some basic symptoms for signs of possible early cancer. No one should read these signs and symptoms into self-diagnosing cancer.
These signs and symptoms, while common for a definitive cancer diagnosis need to be ruled out by your doctor. Cancer is the leading cause of death throughout the United States. Computer programs and advanced systems help physicians track patients high-risk for cancer.
You no doubt will worry until all tests prove negative for cancer. However, getting an affirmative cancer diagnosis early means treatment starts early, giving you much better odds for licking this diagnosis. The following includes ten basic cancer symptoms. Your doctor may refer you to an oncologist consultant if you have a cancer diagnosis.
Blood in the Stool
If you notice blood in your stool it could mean many different issues such as an inflammation of the colon or internal haemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, stomach ulcers, or polyps, to mention a few. Blood in the stool can also mean colon cancer. Blood in your stool demands some simple testing that quite possibly leads to sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Your doctor may send you an examination of your digestive system including your colon.
Constant Cough Over One Month
Those who have a constant and persistent cough need to see their doctor. A constant cough accompanies issues like COPD, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, a simple cold you are unable to shake, or signs of cancer. However, coughing up blood needs checking. If that cough has been going on for over one month and you notice blood this could mean simply that the tissues of the oesophagus or lungs are irritated from an ongoing upper respiratory infection. Make that doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. Besides coughing, it’s possible for you to contract other oral diseases like gum disease as well. In such cases, it is important to check out https://www.
Immense Fatigue
We all become so tired we feel we cannot go a step further. When this tiredness takes over your life there is something wrong, like a low red blood count causing anemia. There are many people who fight iron deficiency anemia most of their life. When the white blood cells outnumber the red blood cells you feel very fatigued. Why is your red blood count low? Leave the answer up to your doctor and do not read cancer into your health issue until some testing such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy comes back stating a cancer diagnosis.
Unusual Lumps or Bumps Anywhere on the Body
Most times these cancerous lumps are painless and not uncomfortable. Men may note this on a testicle with a swelling. Women may notice this on a breast or underarm and may note a breast discharge. Monthly self-examination by men and women can detect possible cancerous areas early for successful treatment.
Moles and Warts (skin cancer)
Sudden appearances of a mole or wart with unusual colouring and shape needs checking by the doctor. Bleeding at the site, irregular edges, and larger areas are at a higher risk for skin cancer.
Urine Changes
Changes in odour, colour, and frequency can denote cancer. However, so can kidney infections, bladder infections, and urinary tract infection. If the infection continues without treatment you may see blood in the urine. Infections cause some discomfort and pressure in the lower abdomen and back, but, so does cancer. Men and women need to be checked as soon as symptoms occur. Men should be aware of prostate cancers.
Chronic Indigestion/Heartburn
Problems with swallowing along with chronic heartburn are two symptoms of cancer. Esophageal scopes detect Barrett’s esophagus. Chronic stomach acid and heartburn expose the esophagus to cancer. Early detection means medication and surgery can correct this cancer.
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Women can tell when something is not right in her body. Unusual amounts of bleeding or vaginal discharge could mean a host of issues easily corrected. These symptoms can also mean cancer of the ovaries or uterus. A simple pap smear tells the doctor if there is cancer.
Sores that Do Not Heal
Unhealing sores, chronic itching at the site, skin discolouration anywhere on the body including the mouth may mean cancer. However, these symptoms correlate with psoriasis or fungal infections. The dentist checks your mouth at six-month checkups for signs of mouth cancer.
Back Pain-Bone Pain
Over half of the United States suffers from low back pain chronically. Ask the doctor to rule out any other underlying problems like possible spinal cancer. This back pain is different. The pain is deep pain and tenderness. When bone cancer is detected it has usually spread from other sites. However, this pain can originate from lifting at work or at home, a poor mattress, and poor posture.
In Conclusion
Get your physical exam at least every year. Medicare now requires seniors an exam every six months. Visit your dentist for an exam every six months. In between times be sure to alert your doctor when you notice anything unusual out of the normal.
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