What Are The Symptoms Of Cancer?

Cancer symptoms vary widely and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and tumor size. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin - a lump in the breast or testicles can be an indicator of cancer in those places. Skin cancer (melanoma) is often observed by a change in a wart or mole on the skin. Some oral cancers have white spots inside the mouth or white patches on the tongue.
Other types of cancer have physical symptoms that are less apparent. Some brain tumors tend to have the first symptoms of the disease affecting important cognitive functions. pancreatic cancer are generally too small to cause symptoms until they cause pain to push against nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Symptoms can also be created as a tumor grows and presses against the organs and blood vessels. For example, colon cancers cause symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool size. Bladder or prostate cancer cause changes in bladder function, such as more frequent or infrequent urination.
Because cancer cells use the energy of the body and interfere with normal hormone function, you may have symptoms such as fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are common in several other diseases as well. For example, cough and hoarseness may indicate lung or throat cancer as well as several other conditions.
When cancer spreads, or metastasis, additional symptoms may occur in the new area affected. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and are likely to present early. If the cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience dizziness, headaches or seizures. Spread to the lungs can cause coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, the liver may be enlarged and cause jaundice and bones can become painful, fragile and break easily. The symptoms of metastatic disease ultimately depends on the location where the cancer has spread.