8 Warning Signs of Cancer You Shouldn’t Avoid

Cancer is a group of diseases that are characterized by abnormal cell growth that can divide, multiply and spread to other normal body tissues. However, it manifests some common signs and symptoms, which, if diagnosed early, can be treated, and the harsh consequences can be avoided. Here we discuss eight symptoms of cancer that you should watch out for to be safe, though they are also commonly associated with several other conditions.

8 warning signs & symptoms of cancer

1.     Sore throat or a persistent cough

A cold or nagging cough that does not go easily is a potential symptom of lung cancer. In addition to a sore throat, if you also have chest pain or breathlessness, don’t delay in seeking medical help.

2.     Unusual lump

Lumps on the neck, abdominal, testicle, or elsewhere in the body are unusual warning signs that need attention. For instance, a lump in the neck may occur due to thyroid disorder causing thyroid gland swelling. But such swelling must be diagnosed as it could be a sign of thyroid, neck, or oesophageal cancer. Thickening or lump in the breast is most common and may pose a threat to breast cancer.

3.     Change in bowel movement

If you are having a persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool, you should seek immediate medical consultation. In addition, if you are getting blood in urination, you should get it checked by your doctor because it may indicate certain conditions- one of which is cancer in the bladder.

4.     Extreme fatigue

The cancer cells use the body’s nutrients to grow and advance, and this “nutrient theft” can make you feel extremely tired because now the nutrients are no longer replenishing your body. This fatigue is, however, different from day-to-day fatigue, and it does not go away even after you take a lot of rest.

5.     Difficulty swallowing

Any problem with the gastrointestinal tract can make it difficult to swallow food. But a lump around the mouth or the on the inner lining of the GI tract could indicate cancerous growth. Such a lump can also be a sign of throat infection, but if it is not cured in spite of medications, it’s best to consult a doctor without delays. It could indicate an oesophageal or stomach cancer.

6.     Skin changes

A skin texture, tone, or color change can occur due to cancer growth in the body. Skin usually looks supple, but if it gets dull or yellow, mostly around the fingertips, contact a doctor. In addition, if you notice a change in your moles, get a medical check-up. The changes in a mole include:

• Asymmetrical shapes or irregular borders
• Darkening or changing color
• It’s growing bigger than six millimeters

7.     Unexplained pain

Pain may occur for several reasons, but if it does not go away after treatment, it may indicate cancer. Cancer may lead to pain in different ways, including:

• A mass or tumor pushing against adjacent tissues and organs
• Metastasis, i.e., cancer spreading to other parts from where it started
• Release of chemicals from cancerous cells

8.     Excessive weight loss

Unexplained weight loss could indicate that certain types of cancer have spread. The cancer cells devour nutrition, energy, and healthy cells, leading to weight loss. Losing more than ten kgs weight in a month may need attention.

Dr Amit Gandhi is one of the most renowned cancer surgeons In Mumbai. To this date, he has accomplished more than 3000+ successful surgeries in the past ten years. His team of cancer specialists is equipped with medically advanced technology and diagnoses and treats each case properly. We are here to help you fight cancer. For more details, contact us today!