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The symptoms of cancer differ depending on the specific type of cancer. Symptoms also vary among individuals and are different depending on the stage of advancement of cancer, where it is located, and what types of organs and tissues are affected. There are often no symptoms in very early cancer.
Symptoms of cancer are generally due to the impact of increasing numbers of abnormal cells and/or a growing tumor on the body. Symptoms of brain cancer include headache and visual changes. A common symptom of prostate cancer is difficulty urinating. A common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal uterine bleeding.
Symptoms of breast cancer include a breast lump and nipple discharge. Symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath and coughing up blood (hemoptysis). A symptom of colorectal cancer is rectal bleeding. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice and abdominal pain. Symptoms of bladder cancer include pain with urination and bloody urine (hematuria).
Complications of cancer include the spreading of the primary cancer into a secondary cancer in other organs and tissues of the body. This generally causes an increase in severity and number of symptoms and can result in death, especially if left untreated. Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause significant complications, such as immunosuppression....more about Cancer »
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Cancer includes the 18 symptoms listed below:
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The list of other diseases or medical conditions that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses for Cancer includes:
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More information about symptoms of Cancer and related conditions:
Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions, or drug side effect causes of that symptom.
Cancer often causes symptoms that you can watch for. The word "caution" can remind you of the most common warning signs of cancer:
Change in bowel or bladder
habits
A sore that does not
heal
Unusual bleeding or
discharge
Thickening or lump in the breast or any
other part of the body
Indigestion or difficulty
swallowing
Obvious change in a wart or mole,
or
Nagging cough or hoarseness
These symptoms are not always warning signs of cancer. They can also be caused by less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. Don’t wait to feel pain: Early cancer usually does not cause pain. (Source: excerpt from Cancer: NWHIC)
You should see your doctor for regular checkups; don't wait for problems to occur. But you also should know that the following symptoms may be signs of cancer:
Most cancers in their earliest, most treatable stages don't cause any symptoms or pain. That is why it's important to have regular tests to check for cancer long before you might notice anything wrong. (Source: excerpt from Cancer Facts for People Over 50 -- Age Page -- Health Information: NIA)
Cancer can cause a variety of symptoms. These are some of them:
Thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body
Obvious change in a wart or mole
A sore that does not heal
Nagging cough or hoarseness
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Unexplained changes in weight
Unusual bleeding or discharge
When these or other symptoms occur, they are not always caused by cancer. They may also be caused by infections, benign tumors, or other problems. It is important to see the doctor about any of these symptoms or about other physical changes. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. One should not wait to feel pain: Early cancer usually does not cause pain. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Cancer -- An Overview: NCI)
These general reference articles may be of interest in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:
Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis
The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Cancer. This signs and symptoms information for Cancer has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Cancer signs or Cancer symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Cancer may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Cancer symptoms.
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