Reviewed by: Zhang Xuemei (Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University)
Clinically, many cancer patients have reached an advanced stage of the disease when they are treated, which makes treatment difficult, which is one of the reasons why cancer is difficult to cure.
So how can cancer be detected early? In addition to regular physical examination, pay attention to screening, but also in daily life to pay attention to the following changes in the body, once found abnormal, timely medical treatment, it is possible to find the tumor early, for better time for treatment.
1. Abnormal skin spots - skin cancer
The appearance of new spots on the skin (including moles, warts, etc.), or changes in their size, shape, color, especially rupture, may be a sign of skin cancer. Another sign is the appearance of distinctly abnormal spots.
If there are any abnormal skin changes, please go to the dermatologist in time. If necessary, doctors perform a biopsy to confirm the benign or malignant nature of these skin changes.
2. Persistent cough – lung cancer
People who do not smoke rarely develop a continuous cough if they are not accompanied by an upper respiratory tract infection.
However, if there is no obvious cause for coughing and coughing up blood (especially blood in sputum) for a long time, smokers should see a specialist.
Doctors will check respiratory secretions, blood tests (including tests for inflammation and tumors), and chest imaging tests for highly suspected patients.
3. Abnormal breast changes in women - breast cancer
Most breast changes are not cancerous. However, if you find a breast lump, nipple changes or nipple discharge, redness or thickening of the breast, breast pain, please consult a doctor in time.
Doctors will perform tests and may recommend breast ultrasound/molybdenum, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and, if necessary, biopsies.
4. Persistent bloating in women – ovarian cancer
Because of diet or stress, you may feel full. However, if the feeling of fullness continues to worsen, or if fatigue, weight loss, or back pain occurs, a doctor should be seen.
Persistent bloating, enlarged abdominal circumference (non-obesity), and even swelling of both lower extremities in women may be a sign of ovarian cancer. Doctors can look for the cause of the disease through pelvic examination.
5. Abnormal urination in men - prostate cancer
Many men develop problems urinating as they age, such as frequent urination, urinary leakage, or inexhaustible urination.
Usually, these symptoms are a sign of prostate enlargement, but if recurrent hematuria or lumbar acid occur, it may also be prostate cancer.
If these symptoms are present, they should be seen, especially if prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening is required.
6. Lymphadenopathy - leukemia, lymphoma, etc
Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped glands that are present in the neck, armpits, and other parts of the body. When the lymph nodes are swollen, it usually means that an infection such as a cold or strep throat is being fought.
Cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia can also cause lymphadenopathy, and lymphadenopathy should be checked in time.
7. Bleeding in the stool - colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer
If bleeding is found after urinating or defecating, it is best to see a doctor.
Blood in the stool may be hemorrhoids, but it can also be colorectal cancer.
Hematuria may be a urinary tract infection or urinary stones, or it may be kidney or bladder cancer.
8. Male testicular mass - testicular cancer
If you notice a lump or swelling in the testicles, you need to see a doctor right away. Painless masses are the most common manifestation of testicular cancer.
Sometimes, you may find a feeling of falling in the lower abdomen or scrotum, or you may feel that the testicles are enlarged. Doctors will examine this area and may perform an ultrasound.
9. Dysphagia - laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer
The common cold, acid reflux, and harder or largely waxy foods can sometimes cause difficulty swallowing.
If symptoms do not resolve over time, do not improve or even worsen after the use of antacids, you may need medical attention.
Dysphagia may also be a sign of laryngeal or esophageal cancer. Specialists will perform examinations and may even require gastroscopy or gastrointestinal contrast.
10. Abnormal vaginal bleeding - uterine cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of menstruation has many causes, such as uterine fibroids, and even some birth control pills can cause vaginal bleeding.
If bleeding during non-menstruation, post-sexual intercourse, or bloody discharge occurs, medical tests should be made to rule out uterine, cervical, or vaginal cancer. Postmenopausal bleeding should also be examined immediately.
11. Leukoplakia and ulcers of the oral mucosa - oral cancer
From bad breath to ulcers, most of the changes in the mouth are not serious. But if white or red spots or ulcers appear in the mouth that don't heal after a few weeks — especially smokers, should seek medical attention, which can be a sign of oral cancer.
Other oral symptoms to be aware of are: lumps in the cheeks, difficulty moving the jaw, or oral pain.
12. Unexplained weight loss – pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, etc
Weight loss is normal if you are losing weight through dieting or exercise. If you are stressed or have diabetes or thyroid disease, you will lose weight.
However, if there is no above situation, the weight has also lost 10 pounds or more, which is not normal, and should be examined. May be the first symptom of pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, lung, or other types of cancer.
13. Persistent or unexplained fever – leukemia, lymphoma, etc
Fever is sometimes just a sign that the body fights an infection, and some medications can also cause fever.
But persistent fever, along with fever without obvious causes, may be a sign of a tumor in the blood, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
14. Persistent dyspepsia – stomach cancer
Almost everyone experiences a burning sensation, usually due to improper diet or excessive stress.
If the diet adjustment is also ineffective, indigestion persists, and you need to see a doctor, which may be a sign of stomach cancer.
15. Persistent fatigue - leukemia, colon cancer, stomach cancer, etc
A lot of things can make people feel tired, but most of the time they're not serious.
But fatigue is also an early sign of some cancers, such as leukemia. Some malignant tumors such as colon cancer and stomach cancer can cause hidden blood loss in the digestive tract, leading to anemia and can also make patients feel very tired.
If fatigue persists, even with adequate rest does not improve, you should see a doctor.
*The content of this article is a popularization of health knowledge and cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor is it a substitute for face-to-face consultation by a practicing physician, for reference only.
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