FAQ. Abnormal menstruation and pelvic pain
Most often, lumps in the mammary glands are not cancer. Still, go for a check-up if you notice these or other symptoms:
- retraction of skin or folds,
- inverted nipples,
- nipple discharge,
- redness or scales on the skin of the nipples and.
To determine the cause of these symptoms, your doctor will order a mammogram or biopsy (removing a small piece of tissue for examination).
2. Bloating
If it does not go away for a long time, is accompanied by weight loss or bleeding, be sure to consult a doctor. Persistent bloating may be a sign of breast, colon, gastrointestinal, ovarian, pancreatic, or uterine cancer.
Depending on other symptoms, a gynecological examination, blood test, mammogram, colonoscopy, computed tomography or ultrasound are prescribed.
3. Bleeding outside of your period
Bleeding that does not fit into your typical cycle may occur. However, screening for endometrial cancer is necessary. This is the mucous membrane that lines the uterine cavity.
If bleeding occurs after menopause, see a doctor immediately.
4. Moles
If a mole has changed size, shape, color, or you have new ones, consult a doctor immediately. Don't delay. This is a common sign of cancer. You need to undergo a thorough examination.
5. Blood in urine and stool
If you observe this symptom for more than a couple of days, contact your doctor. Most often, bloody stool is a sign of hemorrhoids. But it is also caused by colon cancer. And blood in the urine is usually the first sign of bladder and kidney cancer. But don’t rush to panic, it could just be an inflammation of the bladder - cystitis.
6. Changes in lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are small round or bean-shaped formations. Lymph flows through them, coming from different organs. They usually increase during infectious diseases. But they also become swollen and tender in some types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. See your doctor if swelling or swelling does not go away for more than a month.
7. Difficulty swallowing
It's okay if this happens sometimes. But if this happens frequently and is accompanied by vomiting or weight loss, you should be screened for cancer of the throat, esophagus and stomach.
In this case, endoscopy (“swallowing a light bulb”), computed tomography of the neck, chest and abdomen are prescribed. An X-ray examination using a barium suspension may be prescribed: the patient drinks a special liquid, and the throat and stomach are highlighted on the X-ray.
8. Weight loss
Most women dream of the extra pounds disappearing on their own. But if you haven’t changed your diet and training regimen, weight loss indicates problems in the body. Especially if you have lost more than five kilograms.
Most often it is not related to cancer. Causes may include stress or thyroid disease. But cancer cannot be ruled out: pancreas, colon, stomach or lungs.
9. Heartburn
It is most often caused by overeating, excessive alcohol consumption or stress. Or all three reasons together. Change your diet and wait one to two weeks. If it doesn't go away, consult a doctor.
Frequent, prolonged heartburn is a symptom of stomach and throat cancer. Even if your heartburn is not caused by cancer, it can damage the lining of your esophagus and lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus. With it, normal cells of the esophagus are replaced by precancerous ones.
10. Mouth stains
See if yellow, gray, white or bright red spots appear in your mouth and lips. Especially if you smoke. All this can signal oral cancer. Contact your doctor or dentist to get tested.
11. High temperature
A temperature that does not go away for a long time and is not explained by other diseases can signal leukemia or other hematological malignancies. Don't put off going to the doctor. He should ask you about previous illnesses and prescribe the necessary examination.
12. Fatigue
Of course, it is often explained by stress at work or constant rush. But if it doesn’t go away for a long time, it’s no longer normal.
Consult a doctor, first an endocrinologist, if even after rest or accompanied by other symptoms, such as bloody stools. The doctor will order blood tests and other examinations.
13. Cough
The cough usually goes away on its own after three to four weeks. If it lasts longer, do not delay going to the doctor. Especially if you smoke or suffer from shortness of breath. If you cough up blood, go to the hospital immediately.
14. Pain
The cause of pain in the body can be various diseases, including cancer of the bones, brain or other organs. Once the tumor has spread, the pain may be constant. If strange pain lasts more than a month, be sure to go to the doctor.
15. Abdominal pain and depression
Abdominal pain along with can signal pancreatic cancer. This happens quite rarely, so don't panic right away. Suspicion of a malignant tumor is justified only if pancreatic cancer is a hereditary disease in your family. Then you need to get tested as soon as possible.
Many signs of cancer are similar to those of other diseases or conditions and are often ignored. Pay attention to your body. If you notice unusual pain or other changes that do not go away and only get worse, then it’s time to go to the doctor.
Uterine bleeding during menopause.
It is quite common for women to experience spotting even after they have gone through menopause. But if suddenly the same bleeding as during menstruation begins and it does not stop, this may be an early sign of uterine cancer. The good news is that women diagnosed early, while the cancer has not yet spread, have a survival rate of 88%, according to the American Cancer Society.
Change in breast color or size.
Unusual lumps are indirect signs of breast cancer that women can detect on their own. But other changes in the breast can also signal cancer. If you notice that the skin on your breasts is uneven, has swelling, or has slight discoloration (deep red or pink), then this should be a cause for concern. These signs don't necessarily mean you have cancer, which is why many women put off visiting the doctor, hoping it will go away on its own.
Bloating
Almost every woman complains of bloating, especially during the premenstrual period. But if you notice that bloating does not go away even after menstruation, or you suffer from constant constipation, this may indicate uterine or ovarian cancer. If several weeks pass and you are not getting better, then you can no longer put off going to the doctor. Many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer report that they experienced vague symptoms, such as bloating, but ignored them for several months before seeking help. A feeling of fullness in the stomach despite poor appetite is another common sign of ovarian cancer.
Abnormal menstruation and pelvic pain
Many women have irregular periods, but if these periods are becoming increasingly difficult for you and you notice spotting between periods, or you have pain in the pelvic area, it is worth seeing your doctor for a transvaginal ultrasound. The doctor should check the uterus, ovaries, or rule out other possible types of vaginal cancer.
Chronic cough
Almost every person has had a cold where they felt like they could spit out their lungs. But if you develop a cough that lasts three weeks or more, and you don't have other symptoms that usually accompany a cold or allergies (such as a stuffy nose), it could be an early sign of lung cancer. Leukemia can also cause symptoms similar to bronchitis or the flu. If your cough is different from usual, or it does not go away for a long time, or you start coughing up blood, this is very significant. Some patients with lung cancer complain of chest pain that extends up into the shoulder or down into the arm.
Stomach pain or nausea
An upset stomach is such a common occurrence these days that it rarely means you have cancer. But if you notice sudden nausea or persistent stomach cramps and you don't feel better, you should see your doctor. Of course, such symptoms can also signal an ulcer, but they are also There may be leukemia or cancer of the liver, esophagus, pancreas or colon.
Frequent colds and infections
If you previously rarely got sick, but now notice frequent colds and infections, this may be an early sign of leukemia. Blood cancer causes the body to produce abnormal white blood cells. This undermines the body's ability to fight infections, weakening the immune system. Watch for flu-like symptoms, such as fever, that don't go away.
Difficulty swallowing
A sore throat can make swallowing difficult and especially painful. But if you notice that this condition persists for several weeks and gets worse, consult a doctor. This is a common sign of throat or stomach cancer and is also an early sign of lung cancer.
Excessive bruising
If you wake up to one mysterious bruise, it's probably not a cause for concern. Perhaps you hit something while going to the bathroom last night and don't remember it. But if you start to notice bruises appearing all the time, especially in strange places like your arms or fingers, you should raise the alarm. Mild, unusual bruising may be a sign of leukemia, according to the American Cancer Treatment Center. Over time, leukemia reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, causing blood clots to form.
Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss is a cause for celebration for most women. But if you have lost your appetite, although you have not complained about it before, and you have not encountered any problems or events in your life that could affect it, then it is worth getting diagnosed. Weight loss or an unusual change in appetite can be a sign of many types of cancer, including esophageal, pancreatic, liver and colon. But most often it is a sign of leukemia or lymphoma.
Constant fatigue
Every woman has days when she lacks energy. But you should feel energized after a good night's sleep. If you notice that you feel tired every day for a month or longer, or you are experiencing shortness of breath that you didn't have before, you should see your doctor. In most cases, the cause is not cancer, but it is best to get tested to know for sure. Leukemia and lymphoma usually cause constant fatigue.
Chronic headaches
If you're not prone to migraines and never get headaches, but suddenly find yourself reaching for ibuprofen every day, it could be a sign of a brain tumor that's pressing on your nerves and causing pain.
Blood in the stool
Most likely, this is a sign of a benign tumor, for example, hemorrhoids. But it can also be a sign of colon cancer. This symptom is increasingly common in people under 50 years of age. In such cases, experts first recommend screening for colon cancer. This diagnosis is very important. It is very easy to think that it is hemorrhoids or constipation, and if the problem comes and goes, people reassure themselves that nothing has happened. This attitude is especially common among young people. But blood in the intestines is never normal, so it's worth checking yourself.
Noticeable skin changes
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of the disease, and yet its early signs are the most difficult to recognize. Skin cancer is so difficult to diagnose because many people think they have freckles or moles or darker age spots. If you notice that a mole is becoming darker, increasing in size, or becoming prominent, you should have it checked. Melanoma-altered skin is easier to identify because these spots are often irregular in shape than moles, dark in color, or even a combination of several shades. Melanoma is much less common than other types of skin cancer, but at the same time it is more dangerous. However, melanoma has a long period when it is not aggressive and can be cured, but only at an early stage.
Mouth sores or pain
If you notice that you are developing mouth sores that won't heal, white or red spots on your gums or tongue, or swelling or numbness in your jaw, this could be a sign of some types of oral cancer. If these symptoms persist for two weeks, you should consult a doctor.
Women tend to be more attentive to their health and regularly visit an oncologist for checks. But not always. Young women tend to ignore symptoms that may indicate cancer. Here are the most well-known symptoms of cancer that women usually do not pay attention to:
№ 1. Unexplained weight loss
Many women would be happy to lose weight without putting in any effort. But unexplained weight loss - say 5 kg per month without increasing exercise or decreasing food intake - should raise suspicion and be examined by a specialist.
№ 2 . Bloating
Bloating is so common that many women simply live with it. But this may indicate ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly - even if you haven't eaten much - and bladder problems, such as having an urgent need to go to the toilet.
If bloating occurs almost every day and persists for more than a few weeks, you should consult your doctor.
№ 3. Breast changes
Many women regularly examine their breasts for lumps and tumors. Not finding any, they calm down and do not suspect that breast cancer can manifest itself in other symptoms. Redness and thickening of the skin on the chest may indicate a very rare but aggressive infection. If you have a rash that persists for several weeks, or a change in the appearance of your nipples, you should see a doctor immediately.
№ 4. Bleeding
If you have regular periods, then the occurrence of bleeding between periods cannot be ignored. This may cause bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding after menopause can also be a symptom of endometrial cancer. Bleeding from the anus may be a sign of rectal cancer. If such bleeding occurs, consult a doctor immediately.
№ 5. Skin changes
Most of us know that changes in moles on the body are well known. But we also have to watch for changes in skin pigmentation. Excessive blood loss from minor cuts and scrapes should also alert you.
№ 6. Difficulty swallowing
Unless you are on a diet that includes soups or other liquid foods, difficulty swallowing food may be a symptom of gastrointestinal cancer, such as the esophagus.
№ 7 . Blood in the wrong place
If you notice blood in your urine or stool, don't think it's from hemorrhoids, it could be. Blood in the toilet may actually be from the vagina if a woman is on her period, but if not, it should be tested to rule out bladder or kidney cancer.
№ 8. Gnawing abdominal pain and depression
Any woman who has abdominal pain and feelings of depression needs to be examined. Some researchers have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer, but there is no explanation yet.
№ 9. Stomach upset
Women who have been pregnant probably remember what it's like to have an upset stomach as they gain weight. But an upset stomach for no apparent reason can be a red flag. This may be an early clue to cancer of the esophagus, stomach or pharynx.
№ 10. Changes in the mouth
Smokers should be especially aware of any white patches in the mouth or white patches on the tongue. Both of these may indicate a precancerous condition called leukoplakia, which can progress to oral cancer.
Ask your dentist or doctor for an examination and decide what to do next.
№ 11. Changes in lymph nodes
If you notice swelling or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck - or anywhere else - this could be a warning sign. If you have lymph nodes that are gradually getting larger, see your doctor.
№ 12. Temperature
If you have a high fever that is not explained by the flu or other infection, it may indicate cancer. Fever most often occurs after cancer has spread from its original site, but it can also indicate early blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
№ 13. Fatigue
Fatigue is another vague symptom that may indicate cancer - as well as a variety of other problems. It can occur after the cancer has grown, but it can also occur at the beginning of some types of cancer, such as leukemia or stomach cancer.
№ 14. Constant cough
Coughs occur with colds, flu, allergies, and sometimes they are side effects of medications. But a very long-lasting cough - defined as lasting more than three to four weeks - should not be ignored.
№ 15. Pain
As people age, they seem to complain more and more about various pains, but vague pain, when you yourself cannot say exactly what it hurts, may be the first sign of cancer. Pain that persists and the cause is not found should be urgently checked.
Research shows that women are generally more vigilant than men when it comes to preventive screenings and cancer screenings.
Women are also more likely to check for potentially dangerous symptoms. However, young women tend to ignore signs that indicate cancer. They have a prejudice that cancer is a problem for older people. And while I really want to believe this, the truth is that cancer can occur at any age.Talking about alarming symptoms should not cause a painful reaction in patients, oncologists say. No one should think that it is necessary to monitor every, even the most insignificant, change in the body.
Keeping a healthy balance in our heads between denial and hypochondria, we asked oncologists about the signs that, upon noticing, women should not panic and suspect that they have cancer.
#1: Unexplained Weight Loss
Many women dream of losing weight without special efforts. But unexplained weight loss—for example, 5 pounds per month without increasing exercise or eating less—should be checked.
Oncologists believe that cancer is the cause of unexplained weight loss until proven otherwise. Of course, this could be a consequence of another condition, such as an overactive thyroid gland, which is also a serious syndrome.
Therefore, your doctor may order a thyroid hormone test and possibly a CT scan of various organs. To make a diagnosis, it will be necessary to investigate all possible causes, one by one.
No. 2. Bloating
This is such a common problem that many women do not pay any attention to it. However, this condition may indicate ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of this cancer include pain in the abdomen or pelvis, feeling full quickly, and problems urinating.
If bloating bothers you almost every day for several weeks, you should consult your doctor. The doctor will carefully question you about the course of the disease and prescribe, in particular, a computed tomography scan and a blood test.
#3: Breast changes
Most women are aware of the condition of their breasts, even if they do not perform special self-examinations, and, as a rule, feel if lumps appear. But this is not the only symptom that indicates breast cancer. Redness and thickening of the breast skin, for example, may indicate a very rare but aggressive form of breast cancer - inflammatory breast cancer - and should be checked. If you notice a rash that persists for several weeks, you should see a doctor.
If the appearance of your nipple changes or you notice discharge (and you are not breastfeeding), see your doctor. If this continues for some time, there is cause for concern. Also, if your nipples are flat to begin with, it's no big deal. But a change in their appearance can be a worrying symptom.
In this case, the doctor will carefully examine the breasts and order tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and possibly a biopsy.
#4: Bleeding between periods or other unusual bleeding
Women before menopause often ignore bleeding between periods, oncologists say. They also ignore bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, mistaking it for menstruation. But bleeding between periods, especially if it usually happens regularly, needs to be checked as it could be a symptom of endometrial cancer. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract may be a sign of colon cancer.
Pay attention to what is normal for you, oncologists say. If a woman has never had discharge in the middle of her cycle, and suddenly it appears, this is not normal.
Endometrial cancer is a common type of gynecological cancer. At least three quarters of people with this diagnosis had a history of abnormal bleeding as an early sign.
Depending on the duration of bleeding and other symptoms, your doctor may order an ultrasound or biopsy.
No. 5. Skin changes
Most of us pay close attention to changes in moles, a well-known sign of skin cancer. It is also necessary to carefully monitor changes in skin pigmentation. If you notice blood on your skin or excessive peeling, make an appointment with your doctor. It's hard to say how long it takes for skin changes to warrant a visit to the doctor, but most experts agree: you shouldn't do nothing for more than a few weeks.
#6: Difficulty swallowing
If you're having difficulty swallowing, you may have already changed your diet so that chewing isn't a problem, such as switching to soups or liquid foods like protein shakes.
But these difficulties may be a sign of gastrointestinal cancer, such as esophageal cancer.
Your doctor will likely order tests such as a chest X-ray or a gastrointestinal check.
No. 7. Blood is in the wrong place
If you notice blood in your urine or intestinal secretions, do not immediately suspect hemorrhoids. This may be a sign of colon cancer.
Your doctor will ask various questions and may order tests, such as a colonoscopy, which checks your colon for cancer.
Blood in the urine can indeed be a result of menstruation, but tests should still be done to rule out bladder or kidney cancer.
Symptoms such as coughing up blood should also be reported to your doctor. One instance of abnormal bleeding may not mean anything, but if it happens more than once, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
No. 8. Constant aching abdominal pain and depression
Every woman experiencing abdominal pain and depression needs to get tested. Some researchers have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer, but the link is poorly proven.
No. 9. Digestive disorders
Indigestion for no apparent reason is another red flag. This may be an early warning sign of cancer of the esophagus, stomach or throat.
During your examination, your doctor will ask you about your history of symptoms and questions about indigestion before ordering any tests.
No. 10. Changes in the mouth
Smokers should be especially alert for any white streaks in the mouth or white spots on the tongue. Both of these signs may indicate a precancerous condition called leukoplakia, which can develop into oral cancer.
Contact your dentist or doctor to look at these signs and decide what to do next.
No. 11. Pain
As people age, they tend to complain more often of various pains. But such a broad concept as pain can also be an early sign of some types of cancer, although most complaints of pain are not a consequence of cancer.
Any persistent, unexplained pain should be checked out. Most likely, your doctor will take a careful history and, based on this information, decide what needs to be tested.
No. 12. Changes in lymph nodes
Lumps or thickening in the lymph nodes in the armpits or neck may be a cause for concern.
If you see a lymph node gradually enlarge over a month or longer, see your doctor. The doctor will examine you and check for possible causes that may be causing your lymph nodes to become swollen.
If no cause is found, doctors usually order a biopsy.
No. 13. Heat
If you have a fever that is not due to the flu or other infection, it may indicate early forms of blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
Other symptoms of cancer may include jaundice or change in stool color.
The doctor will conduct a thorough examination, record a history of symptoms, and order tests such as a chest x-ray, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging, or others.
No. 14. Fatigue
Fatigue is another vague symptom that may indicate cancer or other problems. Unexplained fatigue—feeling exhausted despite not being active—may begin after the cancer has progressed and in the early stages of some cancers, such as leukemia or some bowel or stomach cancers.
No. 15. Constant cough
Cough often occurs along with colds, flu, allergies, and sometimes is a side effect of medications. But a persistent cough—one that lasts more than three or four weeks—cannot be ignored.
In this case, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will check your throat, lung function, and may order X-rays, especially if you smoke.
Show some attention to yourself or the health of your loved one! Learn about the typical signs of the development of various malignant tumors in the body. Early diagnosis is a faithful ally in the fight against cancer.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, with 8.2 million cancer deaths occurring in 2012.
World Health Organization
Whatever the reasons for the development of malignant neoplasms in the human body, it is extremely important to diagnose the disease at its early stage. In this article, we focus on the main symptoms that may indicate the occurrence of cancer in men.
Problems with urination
Over the years, many men “grow up” to some problems with urination:
- desire to urinate more often, especially at night;
- leakage, urinary incontinence, urgent need to pee;
- difficulty starting to urinate, weak urine pressure.
Typically, these symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate gland. But prostate cancer should not be ruled out.
Contact your doctor to find out the cause of the discomfort. You will need to undergo an unpleasant but extremely necessary digital rectal examination and a blood test to check your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level.
Changes in the testicles
If you notice a lump, thickening or any other changes in your testicle, never put off going to the doctor until later. Unlike prostate cancer, which grows quite slowly, testicular cancer grows much faster. Make an appointment for a physical exam, get a blood test, and have an ultrasound of your scrotum.
Blood in urine and stool
You don't need to be a genius to understand the abnormality of the situation. Blood discharge associated with bowel movements and urination may be one of the first signs of bladder, kidney, or colon cancer. Even if you have no other complaints, contact the clinic for help. It is important to find the cause, even if it turns out to be hemorrhoids or some kind of infection.
Skin changes
Have you noticed changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole (another spot on the skin)? See your doctor as soon as you can. Dark or red growths are the main sign of skin cancer.
Visit a dermatologist or oncologist. You may have to undergo a biopsy, a diagnostic procedure whereby a small piece of tissue is removed for examination.
Changes in lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures that can be felt in some parts of the human body. For example, on the neck and armpits. Their increase often signals increased functioning of the body's immune system. As a rule, this is the immune system fighting a sore throat or cold. But some types of cancer can also cause swollen lymph nodes. Contact your doctor for help if any swelling you find does not shrink within three weeks.
Swallowing problems
Most people suffer from dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, from time to time. If the problem is regular, you are losing weight or experiencing the urge to vomit, it is worth checking your throat and stomach for the presence of cancer. During the examination, the patient swallows a liquid with the addition of barium. This chemical element glows when exposed to X-rays.
Heartburn
Changing your diet, drinking alcohol, or getting into a stressful situation can cause heartburn. In these cases, it is worth taking medications and correcting your diet. If the measures taken do not help, the heartburn does not go away or gets worse, you need to seek professional help. Cancer of the throat or stomach may occur.
Changes in the oral cavity
The risk of developing malignant tumors in the mouth increases significantly if you smoke or chew tobacco. Watch for white or red patches in your mouth or lips.
If you have the first suspicions, consult a dentist.
Weight loss
Have your pants started to require suspenders for no apparent reason? It's normal if you've taken up exercise, done heavy physical work, improved your diet, or been nervous for a while. Otherwise, you should be wary. “Random” weight loss can indirectly indicate a wide range of health problems. Including cancer of the pancreas, lungs and stomach. Only a detailed examination will give an accurate diagnosis.
Temperature increase
Fever itself means the body is fighting an existing infection. But an unreasonable, continuous increase in temperature may indicate leukemia and other types of blood cancer.
Changes in the breast
Only 1% of the total number of breast cancer cases occur in men, but the appearance of lumps in the breast should not be ignored. Don't take risks, get tested.
Fatigue
Cancer causes deep chronic fatigue, which a month's vacation in warm regions without calls and the noise of the city will not help get rid of. You yourself know how to deal with exhaustion caused by daily worries, anxiety at work or ongoing holidays. If you are powerless in the fight against fatigue for a long time, consult a doctor and find the culprit for loss of strength.
Cough
A nagging cough in a non-smoker is acceptable for a month. If your cough does not go away, you are short of breath, or droplets of blood are released when you cough, you should immediately consult a doctor. Especially for those who like to “suck” soda and passive smokers. Lung cancer is extremely dangerous.
At the clinic, they will take a sputum sample from your lungs and also take a chest x-ray.
Pain
As a rule, cancer is not accompanied by pain. However, pain that does not stop for a month may indicate the development of various malignant tumors. Especially in cases where the cancer has begun to spread in the body.
Depression and stomach pain
Here they are, dear ones! In rare cases, depression along with abdominal pain can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Should I worry? Most likely not, unless there is a similar disease in your family.
