Early Warning Symptoms and Signs of Cancer.

In the previous post, we discussed the symptoms and signs of cancer in the broader sense. There, we discussed in general, symptoms and signs that appear when malignancy sets into your body – symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, etc.

Here we shall discuss the early cancer symptoms of certain common cancers. This is because each cancer has typical early signs of cancer, which can give you a hint and goad you to go visit your cancer specialist to rule out cancer.

Knowing these warning signs of cancer is important because if you have read cancer statistics, you will realize how widespread cancer has become. And these cancer stats are worsening, possibly due to the fact that human race is becoming more exposed to the causes and risk factors which cause cancer.

Knowing these first signs of cancer is again important because diagnosing and treating cancer in the early stages, before metastasis sets in, is crucial for survival.

Do I Have Cancer.

This is a question that does appear in the minds of us all – especially when we come across a person who has cancer or has died of cancer. A doctor does face such questions from his patients who often ask – How do I know I have cancer. Knowing these early signs and  symptoms of cancer will help. The symptoms explained below can also occur due to other health disorders and it will be your oncologist or cancer specialist who will confirm the cause of your symptoms.

Early Symptoms and Signs of Cancer.

1)      Persistent Cough may indicate lung cancer or cancer of the larynx.

2)      Hoarseness of voice may indicate cancer of the larynx.

3)      Difficulty in swallowing may indicate cancer of the esophagus. This occurs due to the cancer growth which narrows the lumen of the esophagus.

4)      Frequent indigestion may indicate stomach cancer.

5)      Change in bowel routine , for example persistent constipation or diarrhea, may be due to cancer of the colon or rectum.

6)      Change in Bladder routine, such as frequent urination or small amounts of urine or slow flow of urine can be an indication of renal cancer or bladder cancer or cancer of the prostrate.

7)      Feeling of fullness and not wanting to eat could be due to stomach cancer or ovarian cancer.

8)      Difficulty in speaking or chewing could be due to cancer of the tongue or mouth or larynx.

9)      Any change in size, shape or color of a mole or wart on the skin should be checked for malignancy.

10)  Persistent anemia without apparent cause can be due to cancers that cause bleeding such as

• Colorectal cancer,
• Cervical cancer,
• Endometrial cancer,
• Bone marrow cancer.

11) A lump or swelling that is felt by your hand can be an indication

• Testicular cancer. Please note that in some men, one testes may be bigger than the other testes. This a normal occurrence and should not be construed for a growth.
• Breast cancer may show a growth in the breast.
• A growth felt in the neck or axilla or groin or such place may be due to an enlarged lymph node. This could even be due to infection in which case the enlarged gland or lymph node subsides after treatment.. A growth due to malignancy persists even when there is no infection and is firmer to touch. Such an enlarged lymph node is an early warning sign of metastasis.

12) Non healing ulcer can be sure shot sign of malignancy. Here, of course diabetes has to be ruled out. For example, non healing ulcer in the mouth can be due to oral cancer.

13) An unexplained and sudden increase in size of the midriff could be due to an malignant ovarian growth.

14) Bleeding could be a telltale warning sign of cancer.

• Blood in sputum could be due to lung cancer.
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding or vaginal discharge could be due to cancer of the cervix or cancer of the endometrium of the uterus.
• Blood in urine could be due to cancer of the kidneys or bladder.
• Discharge tinged with blood from the nipple could be due to breast cancer.
• Blood in stools could be due to colorectal cancer or cancer of the stomach.
• Bleeding from the nose could be due to leukemia.

15) Jaundice could be due to liver cancer or cancer of the pancreas.

16) Shortness of breadth could indicate lung cancer.

I would like to reiterate and emphasize here that these signs and symptoms could be due to other non malignant reasons also. So do not panic if you experience these symptoms. It could be and is most probably due to a non malignant cause. But be aware and get the malignancy ruled out. The fact does remain that these are the early symptoms of cancer or early signs of cancer.

Related posts:

1. Symptoms and Signs of Cancer.
2. Early Pregnancy Symptoms|Early Pregnancy Signs.
3. Screening for Cancer|Gene Testing For Cancer.
4. How Early Can You Test For Pregnancy.
5. Types of Cancer.
6. Ovulation Symptoms and Signs.
7. Diet and Foods to Prevent Cancer. (Part 3)
8. Breast Cancer Symptoms with Breast Cancer Pictures.