Symptoms of Cancer

Because there are over 100 different types of cancer, it is difficult to describe all of the symptoms associated with the disease. As cancer grows, it can begin to push on other organs or vessels in the body which can cause a variety of symptoms in different areas. However, if the cancer is growing in a place where it is not likely to cause problems, it may not cause any symptoms until it has grown rather large. There are some non-specific cancer symptoms that can be vague indictors of cancer, but also may be the result of other diseases or illnesses. These non-specific cancer symptoms include:

Fatigue
The most common symptom associated with cancer is persistent fatigue. This symptom can occur in any stage of cancer, including the early stages, but is more common among patients with more advanced stages of cancer. Usually, this is due to cancer cells using up the body’s energy or releasing substances into the body that alter the way that energy is produced.

Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss can also be a symptom of cancer, although there could be many other reasons. Like the way cancer in which can cause fatigue, weight loss can be caused by the cancer cells using up the body’s energy or changing the way in which the body makes energy.

Pain
Pain is often associated with the common types of cancer, especially in the later stages. Pain generally only occurs in the early stages of cancer when the cancer affects the bone. It is more typical in the later stages after the cancer cells have spread and have begun to affect other organs, nerves, or blood vessels. Usually, certain types of pain are normally associated with specific types of cancer. For example, pain in the lower back can be related to ovarian cancer or colon cancer. Also, shoulder pains can be associated with lung cancer while headaches may be a sign of brain cancer.

Changes of the Skin
Skin changes may occur not only with different types of skin cancers but with a number of other cancers as well. These changes may include hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), erythema (reddened skin), pruritis (itching), jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes), and excessive hair growth.

Keep in mind that the symptoms listed here are very non-specific to cancer. If you experience any one or more of these symptoms, it does not signify that you have cancer but rather that you should seek medical attention for further testing. If the symptoms are, in fact, due to some form of cancer, notifying your doctor will help to ensure that cancer is caught in the early stages. This will also enable your doctors to begin the treatment of cancer immediately which will increase your chances of overcoming the disease.

Cancer Care
The Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic offers comprehensive cancer care from a team of caring physicians and healthcare professionals.  These professionals are dedicated to helping cancer patients live their lives to the fullest while receiving the best medical care available. Our team is made up of board certified oncologists and registered nurses with decades of experience and a heartfelt commitment to offering patients the latest advances in oncology care.  To learn more, please contact us today to speak to one of our professional staff members.