Reena, 47 years old, felt a lump in her left breast, and skin overlying was looking rough and puckered like an orange peel. She at once sensed that something was not right. With immediate visit to gynecologist, mammogram, biopsy and appropriate treatment, she is now cured of her breast cancer. Technology has advanced over time and quick and specific diagnosis of any condition is possible with accuracy with the available tests and studies. But, tests alone cannot be relied upon. You will go and test for something if you suspect it. So, firstly, it is very essential to listen to your body and discern anything that is unusual, strange, not normal or unexplainable. You surely do not want to realize something when it is too late. It might not be always something serious. But DO NOT IGNORE. Let us get a quick look through commonly ignored signs and symptoms of cancer. As they say-Stitch in time saves nine!
Unexplained weight loss:
Most of us would be elated to have easy weight loss without efforts. But loss of weight more than 4 kg in a month, without any attempt to do so, should be investigated. Unexplained weight loss can be indicative of cancer of colon or other digestive tract, or even spread to liver unless not proven, which could affect appetite and digestion. It could be due to other reasons like hyperthyroidism etc. But investigation is warranted.
Hoarseness of voice, persistent cough, and difficulty in swallowing:
Hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing can be associated with throat cancer or oesophageal cancer. It can be first sign of lung cancer or thyroid cancer too. A persistent husky, rough voice with feeling of fullness and something pressing in throat can be an early marker of cancer and needs to be investigated. Cough along with common cold and flu is common; but, cough persistent for more than 3 weeks should not be overlooked. It can be indicative of throat or lung cancer especially in case of smokers.
Indigestion, stomach upset, and chronic heartburn:
Indigestion for no apparent reason may be a red flag. Bellyache sound normal; but, recurrent stomach upset and cramps may indicate colorectal cancer. The commonest sign of stomach cancer in early stage is pain in the upper or middle abdomen with gaseous distention or heartburn. Feeling of fullness and pain after eating small quantity, which is better by antacids, can be more than simple hyperacidity. Chronic acidity with unexplained abdominal pain calls for a visit to doctor.
Blood in wrong place or excess bleeding:
1. Blood in urine or stool should not be ignored. Blood in stool is not always piles. It can be due to colon cancer too. Kidney or bladder cancer should always be ruled out in such scenario.
2. Women should be more careful with blood in stool or urine if they aren’t menstruating. It can be vaginal and indicative of uterine cancer or intestinal bleeding indicative of colorectal cancer. Bleeding in between the period and post-menopausal bleeding always demands further exploring and investigation for endometrial cancer. Even spotting in between the periods should not be ignored. Many women reporting heavy menstrual bleeding with unusually excessive pain hinted endometrial or uterine cancer.
3. Coughing of blood needs an investigation too.
4. Bleeding from wrong place just once may not be indicative of anything serious. But, if it happens more than once, evaluation is surely needed.
Abnormal swelling and lumps:
1. If an abnormal swelling or lump is seen in armpit, neck, and breast or at any other place, it is definitely something to worry about. Enlargement of lymph nodes can be due to infection; but, you should surely get it examined by a doctor. A doctor may order biopsy if need be.
2. Lump indicative of testicular cancer is always painless; there can be slight discomfort in groin. Sometimes testis is swollen and enlarged without lump.
3. Lump in the breast should invariable be evaluated.
Pain
1. Most of the aches and pains are not due to cancer; but vague and unexplained pain sometimes can be a symptom of some cancers. Chronic pain in joints, aggravated by motion can be one of the symptoms of bone cancer.
2. Frequent pain in hips, upper thighs, or lower back can be one of the signs of prostate cancer. Heavy ache, lower abdominal pain, pulling sensation and generalized pain in groin can be a complaint associated with testicular cancer.
3. Prolonged persistent unexplained pains should be checked out.
Mouth changes:
Spots and patches on the tongue and inside the mouth demand for attention. Leukoplakia is a precancerous condition marked by white patches on inner side of the cheeks. It can advance to cancer. This is usually caused due to smoking, chewing tobacco, gutka, masheri etc and usually diagnosed at dental visit. Recurrent mouth ulcers called as aphthae are common due to deficiency of vitamin D. But recurrent non-healing ulcers in mouth should be taken seriously.
Changes in breast:
1. Most of the women know that any lump in the breast should be evaluated. But it is not just lump in breast, but it could be redness, puckering, thickening, dimpling of skin or persistent rash on breast that could point to breast cancer. Changes in nipple like inversion, flattened, turned sideways or abnormal discharge warrant for evaluation of breast. Itchy, scaly or rusty nipples are seen in inflammatory breast cancer. An ultrasound, MRI or even biopsy may be needed after consulting a doctor.
2. Men should also bring any lump, swelling, or skin or nipple problem, or any chest pain, to their doctor's attention. Men can get breast cancer!
Prostate Cancer – Prostate cancer is the lesser known killer in men. It is a slow growing cancer, but at times, its symptoms can be aggressive as well. Detecting prostate cancer at its onset can help in treating it effectively. Tests include a digital rectal exam and a blood test for Prostate Specific Antigens (PSA). […]
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