10 Cancer Symptoms to Know

Cancer is one of the most dangerous and popular diseases known to mankind, it is very dangerous because of its late detection and nonchalant attitude displayed by those affected by this disease. The prognosis of this disease can be increased, if the diseases and detected earlier and treatment are started earlier.

Cancer is a common name in the medical world, especially for its increased mortality rate and reduced quality of life. It is better to have adequate knowledge about the etiology and formation of cancerous cells.  Cells are the basic unit of life, and the combination of cells forms tissues. The tissues in the human body are the functioning components of most vital organs in the body. The Body organ works in unison and leads to the formation of different systems of the body.

Cancerous cells are formed by an abnormal mutation in the normal body sequence. Physiologically, cells differentiate into tissues. Aggregation of tissues forms organs and different organs function together as a system.In cancer, there is an alteration in the sequence and abnormal growth of cells are spread throughout the body.  Cancerous cells are unique for their metastases ability9 ability to spread to another distant site)/ they can be classified as benign or malignant depending on their metastases ability and distance.  The prognosis of cancer can be increased if most people know basic things about this disease.

10 Cancer Symptoms to Know

Cancer is a progressive disease that occurs over a prolonged period of time; Most cancerous patients often ignore the warning signs that are pathognomonic for different types of cancer. The most common cancer symptoms include:

  1. Skin Discoloration: There is often abnormal discoloration of the skin of most cancerous body sites. You would notice an unusual discoloration different from other parts of the There are more prominent in some type of cancers such as breast cancer, where there is an intense change in skin color in the affected breast. If you notice any unusual decoration in any part of your body, contact your nearest doctor so he can perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
  2. A nagging Cough: Coughing is a physiological reflex initiated by the respiratory system to clear excess mucus, firth infections, or remove irritants affecting the normal functioning processes of the body. A nagging cough could be a physiological response to different types of infections such as post-nasal drip, infections, especially in a non-smoker. A nagging cough and hemoptysis (coughing out blood0 are pathognomic for lung cancers in patients that smoke consistently. Don’t ignore a nagging cough that won’t go away especially, if you are a frequent smoker. Complain to your doctor, if you notice any a nagging cough that won’t go Your medical personnel would perform a x-ray to detect the etiology of a cough.
  3. Breast Changes: Sudden changes in color, size, texture, and firmness of the breast could be an indication of an ongoing infection or disease in the body. Breast cancer often presents itself with changes in the color of the breast and presence of Presence of unusual color, lumps or breast discharge could be an indication for breast cancer.
  4. Consistent Bloating: Bloating often occurs as a result of undigested food, gas accumulation, and reduced dietary fiber. Bloating can also occur as a result of stress, fatigue, and bad diet choices. It is physiological, but could an indicator of ovarian cancer in women when combined with other symptoms such as weight loss, and back
  5. Polyuria: This is a medical term for excessive urination in both men and women. Polyuria can occur physiologically due to the excessive fluid Prostate cancer is a very common cancer in men that is characterized by excessive furniture and prostate enlargement.  Your doctor would confirm this diagnosis by checking your prostate surface antigen level.
  6. Lymphadenitis: This is a medical terminology for enlargement of one or lymph nodes in the body especially due to infection.  Lymph nodes are bean-shaped organs often located in our armpit, groin, neck, and other specific places in the body. Enlargement of these lymph nodes could be a strong indication of different types of cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.
  7. Bloody Stool: Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of bloody stool due to inflammation of the rectal However, Bloody stool can also occur as a result of colorectal, kidney, or b; bladder cancer.
  8. Testicular changes: Enlargement of the testicles could be a major sign of testicular cancer, especially when combined with painless lumps and weight loss. It is better to consult the nearest doctor when you notice any unusual enlargement in your testicles or scrotal area.
  9. Dysphagia: Trouble swallowing solids and liquid foods also known as dysphagia could be caused by different etiologies. Dysphagia that is not relieved with an antacid or other medications and combined with other carcinogenic symptoms such as weight loss, is a strong indicator of esophageal cancer.
  10. Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight can be achieved by the combination of a proper diet and good training regimen. Most people lose weight intentionally by putting their body in a catabolic state by using various calorie restriction Stress, thyroid diseases, and poor diet are common etiologies of weight loss. The thyroid hormones help in metabolism regulation of the boy. When the normal functioning of the thyroid gland is affected, it can result in unexpected weight loss. Despite the alarming weight loss that could result in form thyroid diseases, exercise, diet, and stress. There is a physiological compensatory mechanism that helps our body to keep this weight loss in check. Drastic weight loss such as losing 10 pounds without trying is a pathognomonic sign of cancer of the gastrointestinal system such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Unexplainable weight loss is a pathognomonic sign of cancer, especially when combined with other organ-specific signs and symptoms.

Cancer is a prevalent disease with increased mortality among different age groups. The prognosis of the different types of cancer can be improved by awareness of basic cancer symptoms. If you notice any of the above symptoms, consult your nearest doctor.

 

References

Bottomley, A. (1997). Psychosocial problems in cancer care: a brief review of common problems. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 4(5), pp.323-331.

Jasperson, K. (2014). Hereditary colorectal cancer: More common than you think. Current Problems in Cancer, 38(6), pp.249-261.

Turner, S. (1992). AIDS and Cancer: Common Interests, Common Cause. Cancer Investigation, 10(3), pp.243-245.