Early warning signs of cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide . In the early stages, when the tumor is still localized, it has a much higher chance of being treated. Therefore, recognizing early warning signs is extremely important.

Cancer is a malignant disease of cells; when stimulated by carcinogenic agents, cells proliferate indefinitely and in a disorganized manner, disregarding the body's growth control mechanisms.

Illustrative image.

Most cancers form tumors. Unlike benign tumors, which usually grow slowly in place and have a surrounding capsule, malignant tumors (cancers) invade surrounding healthy tissues, resembling a "crab" with its claws clinging to healthy tissues in the body, or like tree roots spreading in the soil.

Malignant tumor cells have the ability to metastasize to distant lymph nodes or organs, forming new tumors and ultimately leading to death. Along with distant metastasis, the recurrent nature of cancer makes treatment difficult and negatively impacts the prognosis.

With advancements in modern medicine, many types of cancer can now be treated. However, early-stage cancer symptoms are often vague or absent, causing many patients to miss the best time for treatment. Therefore, recognizing early warning signs of cancer is crucial.

Each type of cancer will have a different set of symptoms. Some symptoms develop early in the course of cancer, such as a painless lump in the breast.

However, other symptoms such as weight loss or fever often only appear after the tumor has progressed. Some types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, may have no symptoms in the early stages.

Doctors at Military Central Hospital 108 have provided early warning signs that people should pay attention to. Accordingly, the following signs are not necessarily caused by cancer, but should not be ignored:

Losing weight

Unexplained weight loss can be caused by other health conditions such as hyperthyroidism, depression, or digestive disorders. But the difference is that cancer often causes sudden weight loss. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), many people lose 4.5 kg or more before being diagnosed with cancer.

Weight loss is most common in cancers such as esophageal, lung, pancreatic, and stomach cancer. Cancer also alters metabolism, leading to loss of appetite and reduced hunger.

Persistent, prolonged fever

Fever is the body's reaction to infection or illness, often a common symptom of respiratory infections. However, fever can be a warning sign of cancer if:

Persistent fever. The fever occurs mainly at night. There are no other signs of infection or persistent infection. Night sweats occur.

Fever is rarely an initial symptom of cancer; it usually appears when the cancer has metastasized or is in an advanced stage. However, it can be an initial symptom in people with blood cancers (lymphoma, leukemia, or lymphoma).

Abnormal bleeding

Some types of cancer can cause bleeding. For example, colorectal cancer can cause bloody stools; kidney or bladder cancer can cause blood in the urine. Sometimes blood loss can be harder to detect if it's internal bleeding, such as with stomach cancer.

Bright red blood is usually blood flowing from the rectum or colon, while darker blood may be coming from a more distant location such as the esophagus or stomach.

Many other conditions such as gastrointestinal ulcers, hemorrhoids, or infections can also cause bloody stools; infections, kidney stones, or kidney disease can also cause blood in the urine. But whatever the cause, it needs to be treated early.

Tired and sore

Severe fatigue that persists even with rest can be an early sign of cancer.

Cancer cells proliferate rapidly, lacking the functions they should have, yet still consume nutrients. They deplete a large amount of nutrients, thus leaving the body in a constant state of extreme fatigue. Fatigue is also the most prominent characteristic of leukemia.

In addition, cancer can cause pain in many different ways, primarily due to tumor growth causing compression or metastasis from the original site. For example, back pain can be caused by colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, or rectal cancer.

Persistent cough or hoarseness

Coughing is the body's reaction to viral infections, allergies, or dust and smoke.

However, a persistent cough can be a sign of lung cancer, along with other symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, and shortness of breath. A persistent cough is sometimes also a symptom of thyroid cancer.

Skin changes

Changes in the skin are often associated with skin cancer and sometimes are a sign of other forms of cancer. For example, white spots in the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer; jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) is a sign of liver cancer.

Cancer can cause skin changes such as: Increased pigmentation or dark spots. Larger skin nodules, which may be larger than a pencil eraser. These nodules may have inconsistent colors, ranging from black to brown.

Asymmetrical nodules or nodules with jagged edges. Skin ulcers that do not disappear or have healed but recur. Jaundice.

Changes in breast size

The appearance of a lump in the breast is a characteristic symptom of breast cancer, but not all lumps are cancerous; they could be cysts or benign tumors.

However, go to the hospital for a check-up if you notice any changes or new growths in your breasts, including: A lump that can be felt.

Breast skin is swollen, red, scaly, and rough. Breast pain. Lumps under the armpit. Breast discharge or bleeding.

Abnormal digestive function

Some cancers can lead to digestive problems, such as difficulty swallowing, changes in appetite, or pain after eating.

Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food being stuck in the throat that lasts longer than two weeks could be a sign of nasopharyngeal, lung, or esophageal cancer.

Gastrointestinal cancers (stomach, duodenum, colorectal) can cause symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. These symptoms are often easily mistaken for common digestive ailments.

Ovarian cancer can also cause bloating; while brain cancer causes nausea and vomiting.

Furthermore, according to doctors, some types of cancer develop silently, without any symptoms or warning signs until they reach the late stages, such as pancreatic cancer. In some cases, lung cancer does not cause coughing but only a few inconspicuous symptoms.

Early-stage kidney cancer often causes no symptoms. As the tumor grows larger or progresses, it may lead to symptoms such as pain on one side, blood in the urine, or fatigue.

When any of these abnormal signs appear, regular health checkups and cancer screenings are the best way to detect and treat cancer early, when the tumor is still localized, improving treatment effectiveness.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/nhung-dau-hieu-canh-bao-ung-thu-som-d218652.html