Cancer is a disease, a group of diseases that can cause a number of different symptoms. The symptoms of cancer will vary greatly depending on where the cancer is located, how large it is and how much of an impact it has on organs and tissues around it. When a cancer has metastasized, or spread, a person will notice symptoms in different parts of their body.

When cancer grows, it can begin to effect organs, blood vessels and nerves that are close by. The pressure that the cancer mass is applying to these organs and tissues can illicit different symptoms of cancer. If the cancer is located in a vital area, such as the brain or lungs, the smallest of tumors can be an early symptom of cancer.

There are also times when a cancer will begin in a place that will not cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown very large. Pancreatic cancers typically do not grow large enough for a physician or the individual to palpate them from the outside of the body. There are other pancreatic cancers that will not cause any symptoms of cancer until they grow around the nearby nerves. This will then cause a person to experience unexplained back pain.

There are other symptoms of cancer that are similar to the flu. A fever, fatigue and/or weight loss can also be signs of a cancer. These symptoms are due to the fact that cancer cells tend to use up a lot of the body’s energy supply and they can release substances into the body that change the way the body converts food to energy. It is also possible for the cancer to impact the immune system and that is why a person would experience these symptoms.

Substances that are released by some cancer cells can also cause a person to experience symptoms that are not typically related to a cancer. There are some cancers of the pancreas that release substances that can cause a person to develop blood clots in the legs. There are lung cancers that release a hormone like substance that increases the calcium levels in the blood. This will impact the muscles and the nerves which can make the individual feel dizzy and weak.

Treatment of cancer is most successful when cancer is found as soon as possible. The earlier cancer is detected the greater the chance of survival and the less likely it is to metastasize. This can also mean that there are more options for treatment and possibility of cure is possible if the cancer can be removed via surgery. Once such cancer is Melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer.

There are times that people tend to ignore symptoms of cancer, because they do not realize what it is. They may also ignore symptoms of cancer because they are afraid of what the symptoms mean. There are some symptoms of cancer that can also be caused by other ailments. Fatigue, for example, can be caused by numerous conditions including lack of sleep. With that being said, it is important that a person know what the symptoms of cancer are.

Here you will find the general symptoms of cancer. Understand that having one or more of these symptoms does not mean that you have cancer. As many of these symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, but if you have any of these symptoms and you have had them for a while or if they are getting worse, you need to call your medical professional.

Fever

This is a very common symptom, and it is very common with cancer. A fever generally means that the cancer has spread from where it started. The majority of cancer patients will have a fever at some point. If the cancer has affected the immune system, you will have a fever. Fever can be a very early sign of blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.

Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more can be one of the very first signs of cancer. The majority of cancer patients will lose weight at some point. Weight loss is most often an early symptom of cancers of the lung, stomach, pancreas and esophagus.

Pain

In bone cancers and testicular cancer, pain can be a very early symptom. A headache that does not respond to treatment of that will not go away can be a sign of brain tumor. Pain the back can also be a symptom of cancer of the ovary, rectum or colon. Typically pain is felt when the cancer has spread from its point of origin.

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness that does not go away with rest can be an early sign of cancer. This can be an important symptom as the cancer gets bigger. Fatigue may happen early as in blood cancers if the cancer is causing a loss of blood. It can also be a symptom of stomach and colon cancers.

Changes in the Skin

Skin cancers are not the only cancers that cause changes in the skin. Areas of darker skin, yellowing of the skin and eyes, reddening of the skin, itching or excessive hair growth can all be symptoms of cancer.

There are also symptoms that specific to certain cancers. It is recommended that you keep an eye on these symptoms as well as the general symptoms listed above. If you notice any of these symptoms you should call your medical professional right away. While they can be caused by other conditions, it is advisable that you have them checked.

Bowel and Bladder Habits and Function

Constipation, change in size of stool or diarrhea can all be symptoms of cancer of the colon. Pain with urination, blood in the urine or a change in the frequency of urination can be symptoms of prostate or bladder cancers.

Sores

If you have sores that are not healing or that are bleeding, these could be a symptom of skin cancer. Sores in the mouth can be indicative of oral cancer. Sores on the vagina or penis can also be early signs of cancer.

Leukoplakia

This a precancerous area, generally indicated by white patches which are caused by constant irritation.

If you notice a symptom that you find questionable, or have one that does not go away or gets worse it is advisable that you consult your medical professional as soon as possible.

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