In the long river of medicine, cancer has always been an insurmountable mountain. Its weirdness and cunning lies in the fact that when it quietly spreads through the body, it often does not immediately reveal obvious signs. It is like a seed that quietly takes root and sprouts unconsciously, and by the time the symptoms appear, it is often at an advanced stage. But in this long, insidious process, the body sends out subtle signals that are a warning to us from cancer cells lurking in the shadows.
These signals, although subtle, cannot be ignored. They are like small volcanoes, accumulating energy beneath the calm surface. Once it erupts, its destructive power should not be underestimated. In order to identify these potential crises early, we need to listen carefully to every small change in the body, just as explorers carefully search for clues in uncharted territory.
1. Abnormal fatigue
In the medical field, chronic fatigue is often seen as a warning sign of a variety of health problems. Unlike everyday fatigue, this feeling of fatigue is constant and cannot be relieved by rest and sleep. Of particular note is the fact that cancer patients often experience this unexplained feeling of fatigue early in the course of the disease.
It takes a lot of energy for cancer cells to grow and spread. This energy expenditure is not limited to tumor tissue, but extends throughout the body. As a result, normal cells are squeezed, resulting in a decrease in the body's overall energy levels. In addition, cancer can lead to poor absorption of nutrients, exacerbating fatigue in the body.
For example, one patient in one study experienced persistent fatigue without any strenuous exercise. After a detailed examination, it was found that the fatigue was related to stomach cancer. This situation suggests that persistent abnormal fatigue should not be overlooked, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.
2. Weight loss for no reason
A sudden loss of weight, especially in the absence of significant changes in diet or exercise habits, can be a warning sign of cancer. The growth of cancer cells can affect the body's absorption and metabolism of food, leading to weight loss.
Tumor tissue needs a lot of nutrients to support its rapid growth, which can lead to undernutrition in other parts of the body. In addition, certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, can directly interfere with the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients.
For example, one study reported that a patient experienced a sharp loss of weight in a short period of time without changing his or her eating habits. The final diagnosis was colon cancer. This case highlights how unexplained weight loss can hide serious health problems.
3. Persistent pain or discomfort
Persistent pain or discomfort, especially in a specific area, can be an early sign of cancer. For example, persistent pain in the chest may be associated with lung cancer, while persistent discomfort in the abdomen may be a sign of stomach or bowel cancer.
The growth of cancer cells can cause pressure on surrounding tissues and organs, causing pain. As the cancer cells spread, this pain may worsen or spread to other parts of the body.
In one case, for example, a patient suffered from low back pain for a long time, which was initially mistaken for an ordinary muscle strain. But as the pain persists and intensifies, further examination reveals the presence of kidney cancer. This suggests that persistent pain should not be taken lightly, especially when other symptoms occur at the same time.
Fourth, changes in physical signs
The presence of cancer can lead to changes in a range of external signs. For example, jaundice on the skin may be a sign of liver cancer or bile duct cancer, and persistent sores in the mouth may indicate oral cancer.
These changes are due to the effects of cancer cells on the normal functioning of the body. For example, liver cancer can cause obstruction of bile flow, causing jaundice on the skin and eyes. Oral cancer can cause damage to the oral mucosa, forming sores that don't heal well.
In one case, for example, the patient developed persistent itching and mild jaundice, which was initially thought to be hepatitis. But subsequent tests revealed the presence of bile duct cancer. This situation shows that it is very necessary to be vigilant for these seemingly ordinary changes in signs.