What to do if a loved one has cancer
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Main Symptoms of Cancer
By Anita Choudhary
Symptoms are the indications by the body that there is something wrong. These
refer to the physical feelings undergone by the sick person. They may or may not
be visible. The signs of an illness can be diagnosed by the doctor or the
medical practioner. Just one symptom cannot diagnose a particular disease but
can lead to an investigation and help can be provided before the disease flairs
up.
Cancer is a disease that can affect ant part of the body ranging from the
glands, blood, bone, muscles, organs, and skin. It is basically an uncontrolled
division of cells that cannot be regulated by the body. As an enemy within the
body it ravages each cell while spreading its deadly tentacles, affecting
healthy tissues and cells. The symptoms of cancer depend upon its origin and
size of the tumor and its spread.
In some types of cancer the specific symptoms do not appear until it has reached
an advanced stage. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body then
there may be a variety of symptoms. In brain cancer, if a tumor is formed the
size of a speck also, there may be variety of symptoms as it may push against a
nerve or a blood vessel that might be affecting a particular portion of the
body.
As the cancerous tumor continues to grow, the intensity of the symptoms may
increase manifolds because it may start pushing the adjoining organs and tissues
leading to discomfort.
The specific symptoms may be localized to a certain extent depending upon the
area of spread of cancer. Generally all cancers have some common symptoms and
specific symptoms related to the affected area of the body. These symptoms are
common to other diseases also and the medical practioner can be misguided on the
diagnosis of the disease. Sometimes symptoms are ignored because they seem
insignificant and temporary. However the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better
you have a chance of stopping it from spreading further.
Some symptoms may not be a sign of cancer but in any case they need medical
attention. The general symptoms range from weakness, fever, weight loss to
dizziness and backaches.
Fever is a common symptom of cancer as it shows that the body is fighting an
infection. Persistent fever shows an advanced stage of cancer specially
leukemia. Sudden weight loss of more than 15 pounds without any explanatory
reasons can also be a sign of cancer related to stomach and lung or even the
digestive system. Weakness and fatigue are also an indication of cancer due to
weight loss and blood loss in some forms of cancers. Skin cancers produce
symptoms like darkening and yellowing of skins.
While the localized and the particular cancer symptoms may differ as to the
region they have affected. Any change in the normal functioning of the organ can
be a reason for cancer check.
• Change in excretory system : constipation , piles , change in stool formation,
passing of blood in stool or urine, pain during urination can all be symptoms of
colon cancer , prostrate cancer and bladder cancer.
• Passing of blood: any unusual amount of blood that is passed while coughing,
with urine, stool or major vaginal bleeding are not normal. They are signs of
lung cancer, rectal, kidney, uterine cancers, and stomach cancer.
• Chronic Ulcers: Oral ulcers and sores that have not healed on the penis and
inside the vagina may be cancerous.
• Formation of lumps: Any formation of lumps in the body whether in the skin,
breast, testicals, glandular lumps that have grown in size show an early signs
of cancer. Warts that have grown in size.
Even a minor symptom of any disease should not be ignored. Prevention is always
better than cure.
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