Without doubt, and as pointed out on Mav Cure, it is crucial to be able to notice any abnormal changes taking place in our bodies because they may indicate some health problems, including cancer. When cancer is caught in the early phase, one has much higher chances of survival.
This being said, it is important to first learn the major symptoms of cancer and remember, you should never ignore them and wait for them to go away on their own, but instead, consult your physician as soon as possible!
Early Indicators of Cancer Growing in the Body
- Swelling in the facial area
Redness and swelling in the facial parts can indicate lung cancer. Namely, small lung cancer cells may be blocking the blood veins in the chest which in turn averts proper blood flow from the face and head.
- Changes in the nails
Paler and whiter nails may be a sign of liver cancer whereas having black or brown dots underneath the nails may be a symptom of skin cancer. If the ends of the fingernails curve down over the tips, you should get checked for lung cancer.
- Loss of weight
Sudden loss of weight, without actually trying to lose weight, is a common symptom of cancer, including colon cancer and some other digestive cancers. It usually indicates that the cancer has spread to the liver and it may also impact the appetite and the body’s power to expel surplus toxins on its own.
- Stomach pain
Experiencing constant and strong stomach ache may be a sign of colorectal cancer.
- Sore, swollen or red breast
Breast cancer is often characterized by swelling, redness, and soreness in one or both breasts. Consult your physician if you notice any changes in your breasts.
- Loss of appetite and feeling full
In a lot of cases, this is a clear symptom of ovarian cancer happening in women. One may go without food for a prolonged period of time without feeling hunger.
- Tiredness and weakness
A lot of distinct types of cancer are manifested through symptoms like excessive fatigue and overall weakness, even after sleep or rest.
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
In a lot of situations, these two symptoms may take place along with bloating due to ovarian cancer. Abdominal pain may also be experienced because of an enlarged spleen in case of leukemia.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
These two symptoms are not uncommon for people suffering from colorectal cancer.
- Bloating and gain of weight in the abdomen
Ovarian cancer patients have reported feeling unexplained, severe bloating in the abdominal area.
- Pain in the back and in the lower right side
This may be a sign of liver cancer or breast cancer which has spread to the ribs and bones. Sometimes, it may happen as a result of the breast tumor pressing on backwards into the chest.
- Bleeding or bruising that does not go away
This is usually an indicator that there is something abnormal happening with the platelets and red blood cells, common in leukemia. This lowers the blood’s capacity to transfer oxygen throughout the body.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the underarms, neck or groins
Often times, changes in the lymphatic system will be manifested through swollen lymph nodes in these areas, which are usually indicating cancer.
- Skin changes
In addition to skin cancer, there also other types of cancer that can trigger changes in the skin. Some of these symptoms are yellowish skin and eyes, darker-looking skin, excessive hair growth, itching caused by pruritus, and reddened skin as a result of eythema.
- Inability to swallow properly
This symptom is most common during throat or esophageal cancer or it can be an early sign of lung cancer.
- Bladder function or bowel movement changes
Prolonged diarrhea and constipation could indicate colon cancer whereas experiencing changes in bladder movement or seeing blood in the urine may be a result of bladder or prostate cancer.
- Constant infection or fever
Usually, it is a sign of leukemia because the tumor forces the marrow to produce abnormal white cells which impedes the body’s capacity to fight off infections.
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
Problems with breathing or being unable to catch a breath are known symptoms of lung cancer.
- White spots on the tongue
This is a symptom of leukoplakia and it develops as a result of smoking or chewing tobacco. When not treated timely, it may develop into mouth cancer.
- Chest ache or chronic coughing
These two symptoms may happen during lung tumors and leukemia.
- Sores that do not heal
Skin cancer is known to cause bleeding and the sores will not go away with time as they usually do. For example, having sores in the mouth for a prolonged period of time could indicate oral cancer.
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