Know about signs and symptoms of common cancers

Signs and symptoms are your body's mechanisms of letting you know that you need medical attention. Signs and symptoms of cancer depend on the part of the body impacted by the disease. Given below is a list of general signs and symptoms associated with cancer, but not specific to it. You must seek medical attention, in case you have persistent signs and symptoms.

General Symptoms

• -- Weight loss without trying
• -- Fatigue
• -- Unexplained fever
• -- Anemia

Seven Warning Signs of Cancer

These warning signs have been recognized as potential cancer symptoms. Though having one doesn't warrant cancer, it is advised that if the symptom continues for some time, you must visit your doctor and get it examined.

C: Change in bowel or bladder habits
A: A sore that does not heal
U: Unusual bleeding or discharge
T: Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
I: Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
O: Obvious change in a wart or mole or any other part of body
N: Nagging cough or hoarseness

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

• -- White or red patch in oral cavity since a long time
• -- An ulcer that won't heal
• -- A growth or lump inside the mout
• -- Pain in mouth and ear
• -- Sudden intolerance to spicy food
• -- Limited mouth opening
• -- Difficulty in swallowing
• -- Sudden change in voice

Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer

• -- Skin changes over breast, swelling, redness visible differences in both the breasts
• -- Increase or decrease in size and shape of breasts
• -- Change in the appearance of nipple
• -- Retraction of nipple
• -- Dimpling of skin
• -- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• -- Orange peel skin appearance
• -- An ulcer on breast that won't heal
• -- Lumps or nodes felt inside the breast
• -- A lump under the armpit

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

• -- Bleeding post menstruation or menopause
• -- Bleeding between periods
• -- Menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual
• -- Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as after sex, between periods, after menopause, or after a pelvic examination
• -- Unexplained persistent pelvic pain
• -- Increased vaginal discharge
• -- Vaginal discharge with a strong odor
• -- Discomfort during sexual intercourse

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

• -- A cough that won't go away
• -- Breathing change or wheezing
• -- Shortness of breath
• -- Raspy/ hoarse voice
• -- Unexplained weight loss
• -- Bloody sputum
• -- Persistent tiredness or lack of energy

Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

• -- Indigestion or heartburn
• -- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• -- Nausea and vomiting, particularly vomiting up solid food shortly after eating
• -- Diarrhea or constipation
• -- Bloating of the stomach after meals
• -- Loss of appetite
• -- Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat while eating
• -- Weakness and fatigue
• -- Vomiting blood or having blood in the stool
• -- Unexplained weight loss

Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

• -- Difficulty in swallowing
• -- Chest burn/pain
• -- Indigestion and vomiting
• -- Coughing or hoarseness
• -- Early esophageal cancer typically causes no signs and symptoms
• -- Blood vomit or black stool due to presence of digested blood