Cancer is a scary word. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it can be a life-altering event. The suddenness of the diagnosis can be stressful and scary for those who are diagnosed with cancer. There are so many different types of cancer, that it can be overwhelming to know what type you have. The sooner you find out the signs and symptoms of cancer in your body, the better your chance of surviving cancer and getting proper treatment.
When cancer spreads to the bones, it also becomes more serious. Some people suffer from bone cancer that has spread. They may develop bone pain, fever, and nausea. If the tumor expands and moves to the spinal column, the patient may experience back pain and severe weakness. Cancer that spreads to the lung can also cause shortness of breath and coughing. Sometimes, you can have no idea what the problem is. You might be getting better and feel fine. However, you should check with your doctor as soon as possible. The symptoms are normally not dangerous. However, you must be extremely cautious as they may indicate something much worse.
Cancer can come in many different forms and although there is one common symptom, it isn’t a sure thing. However, having some of these symptoms can indicate that you may have cancer. They may also help you see if you have been exposed to something that could have made you more at risk of developing cancer.
- Chest pain
One more symptom that is associated with cancer is persistent chest pain. This symptom can also be attributed to other diseases as well as to physiological abnormalities. The best way to determine if you have cancerous cells in your chest is to undergo a test known as a chest x-ray. - Changes in diet
Another symptom of cancer that should never be ignored changes in the diet. There are many different changes that you should make to your diet that will help you detect any problems with your health and that will help you prevent cancer. If you begin to experience any changes in the type or amount of food that you eat, you should immediately notify your physician or medical care provider. You may find that by simply altering your diet that you can significantly reduce the cancer risk that you face. - Weight loss
One last sign of cancer that is not so common is weight loss. Most people who are diagnosed with cancer realize that they have gained some weight during their illness. However, most people do not realize that this can be a symptom of cancer. If you are losing a large amount of weight, regardless of the reason, you should contact your doctor to discuss the possibility that you might have cancer. Usually, physicians will perform a biopsy and take a tissue sample from the affected area to determine whether or not there is a tumor or cancerous growth present. This biopsy is not usually covered by insurance. - Changes in the skin
Other signs and symptoms to be aware of include changes in the skin, including unusual pigmentation or changes in the shape of the skin. Some people develop unexplained bruises or scars. - Shortness of breath
This can also be a symptom. This symptom can come on quickly. It can be very frightening for the person experiencing it. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact their physician. The doctor can then rule out serious health problems that could be causing the shortness of breath. - Nausea
It is another symptom. Some women do not have regular periods. If you have irregular periods, this may be a sign of cancer. Other women have no period at all. Periods are important to women who want to get pregnant. Without regular periods, fertility is difficult to achieve. - Rash
The one symptom that may be surprising is a rash or itching. Sometimes, cancer leaves little red dots on the skin. The rash may become larger and darker over time. Sometimes, the rash will disappear. Others do not know they have it. The itching and rashes may acanthamoeba keratitis, ringworm, seborrhea, or eczema. - Changes in sex or sexual life
This may also indicate that there is something wrong. Some symptoms are generally found in all cancerous conditions, but some can be specific to certain types. If you find that you’re experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, you should make an appointment with a doctor to determine what the problem is.
Unfortunately, cancer is not always detectable at an early stage. You may think that you are free of symptoms, but in actuality, cancer may be spreading slowly within your body. Cancer that is not detected until a certain point may cause your cancer to spread to other parts of your body or perhaps lead to death. It is very important that you notify yourself if your doctor suspects that you may have cancer. Although it may seem frightening, being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of the world. In fact, it is a sign that you are doing the right thing by getting a proper check up on yourself and informing yourself about what the sign is that your doctor has noted. So, if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are present, you should discuss them with your physician as soon as possible. You should inform your doctor that you experience any of the symptoms listed above.