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What are the symptoms of cancer?
Cancer symptoms are directly related to cancer type. A cancer symptom such as a mole that changes shape and color is a symptom of melanoma or skin cancer. A cough that won't go away may be a symptom of lung cancer. Some of the most common warning cancer symptoms appear in the list below. These common symptoms are arranged into a mnemonic. The first word of each symptom helps to spell the word "caution."
Cancer Symptom List
- Change in bowel or bladder habit
- A sore that does not heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- Obvious change in wart or mole
- Nagging cough or hoarseness
How is cancer diagnosed or evaluated?
Cancer is diagnosed in several ways. First, the doctor takes a history and performs a physical examination of the patient. If a cancer symptom is present or reported by the patient, the doctor will order laboratory tests, imaging studies, and finally a biopsy.
Laboratory tests, such as blood and urine tests, give the doctor important cancer information. For some types of cancer, tests can be ordered that measure the amount of certain substances, called tumor markers, in the blood, or urine. Tumor marker levels are abnormal if certain types of cancer are present.
Imaging studies include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT or CAT scans), and ultrasonography. All of these techniques allow a view into the human body and can help the doctor locate, and view a tumor-or rule out the presence of a tumor.
Biopsies are almost always necessary to confirm a cancer diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal and examination of tissue, cells, or fluids from the living body. The sample from the biopsy is then examined by a pathologist to see if cancer is present. There are several kinds of biopsies. The type of cancer and its location help to determine what type of biopsy is used. Tissue for a biopsy can be removed with a scalpel (incisional or excisional biopsy), a needle (needle biopsy), or with an endoscope (endoscopic biopsy).
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not serve as a replacement for care provided by your own personal health care team. This website does not render or provide medical advice, and no individual should make any medical decisions or change their health behavior based on information provided here. All pertinent content provided on this website should be discussed with your personal physician to evaluate whether it has any relevance to or impact on your specific condition. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
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