13 Warning Signs of Cancer & their Treatment

Sudden, unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more over 6-12 months without changes in diet or exercise. This can be a sign of various cancers, particularly those affecting the digestive system such as pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, or lung cancer. Weight loss occurs as cancer cells consume the body's energy supply and alter metabolism.

Treatment:

• Identify and treat the underlying cause (cancer or otherwise)
• Nutritional counseling and support
• High-calorie, nutrient-dense diet
• Appetite stimulants like megestrol acetate or dronabinol if necessary
• Enteral or parenteral nutrition in severe cases
• Address any psychological factors affecting appetite

Extreme, debilitating tiredness that doesn't improve with rest and interferes with daily activities. This fatigue is different from normal tiredness and can be a symptom of leukemia, lymphoma, or cancers that cause blood loss. Cancer-related fatigue may be due to the disease itself, treatments, or emotional distress.

Treatment:

• Treat the underlying cancer
• Energy conservation techniques and activity pacing
• Regular, moderate exercise as tolerated
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep issues
• Medications like modafinil or methylphenidate in some cases
• Blood transfusions if anemia is present
• Management of other contributing factors (pain, nutrition, stress)

Recurring fever, especially at night, not associated with common infections. In cancer, fever can be caused by the disease itself (often in blood cancers like lymphoma) or due to infections in an immunocompromised system. A fever of unknown origin lasting more than 3 weeks can be a sign of cancer.

Treatment:

• Antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief
• Identify and treat the underlying cause (cancer or infection)
• Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present
• Anti-fungal or antiviral medications if indicated
• Cooling measures (cool compresses, lukewarm baths)
• Adequate hydration

New moles, changes in existing moles (ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter >6mm, Evolving), or unusual skin growths or discolorations. This can include persistent sores that don't heal, changes in skin texture, or yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice). These changes can indicate skin cancer or other cancers affecting internal organs.

Treatment:

• Thorough dermatological examination
• Biopsy of suspicious lesions
• Surgical removal of cancerous growths
• Further cancer treatments if malignant (e.g., Mohs surgery, radiation, immunotherapy)
• Regular skin checks and sun protection measures
• Treatment of underlying systemic cancers if skin changes are secondary

A cough lasting more than 3 weeks or a persistent change in voice. This can be a sign of lung cancer, throat cancer, or thyroid cancer. The cough may be dry or produce blood or rust-colored sputum. Hoarseness can result from a tumor pressing on the vocal cords.

Treatment:

• Diagnostic procedures (chest X-ray, CT scan, laryngoscopy)
• Treat underlying cause (cancer or non-cancer)
• Voice rest and hydration for hoarseness
• Speech therapy techniques
• Medications to manage cough (antitussives, expectorants)
• Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy if cancer-related
• Smoking cessation support if applicable

Changes in frequency, consistency, or control of bowel movements or urination. This can include persistent constipation or diarrhea, blood in stool, black or tarry stools, difficulty urinating, or blood in urine. These symptoms can indicate colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, or prostate cancer.

Treatment:

• Diagnostic procedures (colonoscopy, cystoscopy, imaging studies)
• Dietary changes and increased fiber intake for bowel issues
• Medications to regulate bowel movements or bladder function
• Pelvic floor exercises for incontinence
• Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy if cancer-related
• Regular screenings for at-risk individuals

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or feeling that food is stuck in the throat or chest. This can be a sign of esophageal cancer, throat cancer, or stomach cancer. It may start with difficulty swallowing solid foods and progress to liquids.

Treatment:

• Diagnostic procedures (barium swallow, endoscopy)
• Dietary modifications (soft or pureed foods)
• Swallowing therapy with a speech-language pathologist
• Medications to reduce stomach acid if applicable
• Dilation of the esophagus if narrowed
• Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy if cancer-related
• Nutritional support (feeding tubes if necessary)

Unusual bleeding from any body part or easy bruising. This can include blood in urine or stool, coughing up blood, unusual vaginal bleeding, or nosebleeds. Excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn't stop easily can be a sign of leukemia or other blood cancers. It may also indicate cancers of the digestive or urinary tracts.

Treatment:

• Comprehensive blood tests to check platelet counts and clotting factors
• Imaging studies or endoscopies to identify source of bleeding
• Blood transfusions if necessary
• Hemostatic agents like tranexamic acid for active bleeding
• Vitamin K supplements if deficiency is present
• Treating the underlying cancer (chemotherapy, targeted therapy)
• Iron supplementation if anemia develops

Pain that is constant without apparent cause. This can include headaches that don't respond to treatment, back pain, or bone pain. Persistent pain can be an early symptom of many cancers, including bone cancer, brain tumors, or cancers that have spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.

Treatment:

• Comprehensive pain assessment
• Pain management techniques (medication, nerve blocks, physical therapy)
• Medications ranging from NSAIDs to opioids, depending on severity
• Alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage
• Psychological support (cognitive behavioral therapy)
• Treating the underlying cancer
• Palliative care consultation for complex pain management

Noticeable lumps or swollen areas, especially in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, or soft tissues. These can be felt under the skin and may or may not be painful. Lumps can be a sign of various cancers, including breast cancer, testicular cancer, lymphoma, or soft tissue sarcomas.

Treatment:

• Physical examination and imaging studies (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI)
• Biopsy of suspicious lumps
• Surgical removal if necessary
• Cancer treatments if malignant (chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy)
• Regular self-examinations and screenings
• Lymphedema management if swelling is due to lymph node removal

Severe night sweats that soak through nightclothes and bedding, not related to room temperature or menopause. Night sweats can be a symptom of lymphoma, leukemia, or other cancers, often accompanied by fever and unexplained weight loss.

Treatment:

• Identify and treat the underlying cause
• Medications to manage symptoms (hormone therapy, antidepressants)
• Cooling techniques (breathable sleepwear, cool environment)
• Adequate hydration
• Change of bedding to moisture-wicking materials
• Cancer treatments if diagnosed (chemotherapy, targeted therapy)
• Management of associated symptoms (fever, weight loss)

Persistent sores, bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth. This can include white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth. These changes can be signs of oral cancer or cancers of the throat or esophagus, especially in people who use tobacco or alcohol heavily.

Treatment:

• Oral examination and biopsy of suspicious areas
• Oral hygiene measures to prevent infection
• Pain management (topical anesthetics, systemic pain medication)
• Anti-fungal treatments if thrush is present
• Surgery to remove cancerous lesions
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy if cancer is diagnosed
• Nutritional support if eating is difficult

Headaches, seizures, vision changes, or other neurological symptoms that worsen or don't go away. These can include balance problems, confusion, memory issues, or changes in behavior. Such symptoms can indicate brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, or cancers that have spread to the nervous system.

Treatment:

• Neurological examination and imaging studies (CT, MRI)
• Medications to manage symptoms (anti-seizure drugs, steroids for swelling)
• Surgery to remove tumors if possible
• Radiation therapy to shrink tumors
• Chemotherapy or targeted therapy
• Rehabilitation therapies (physical, occupational, speech therapy)
• Cognitive rehabilitation for memory or behavioral issues
• Regular monitoring and follow-up

Remember, while these symptoms can be indicative of cancer, they can also be caused by many other conditions. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience any of these symptoms persistently. Early detection and treatment often lead to better outcomes in cancer care.