Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body. Early detection offers the best chance for successful treatment and improved outcomes. Recognizing subtle changes and seeking prompt medical evaluation is a proactive step in health management. This article focuses on common physical changes that may indicate the presence of cancer.
Categorized Physical Changes Requiring Attention
The physical manifestations of cancer are diverse, depending on the type and location of the disease. They can be grouped into systemic, functional, tissue, and bleeding changes, representing signals the body may send when abnormal cellular activity is occurring.
Systemic and Constitutional Changes
Unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more, without changes to diet or exercise, can be a symptom of internal cancers, including those of the pancreas, stomach, and lung. This unintentional drop in mass is often due to the cancer consuming the body’s energy supply.
Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest is another common sign, frequently associated with blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma. Cancer-related fatigue is distinct from normal tiredness because it is overwhelming and debilitating.
A recurrent fever, unexplainable by a known infection, or accompanied by drenching night sweats may be a warning sign, particularly for lymphoma or leukemia. The immune response to cancer cells can trigger these abnormalities. New or persistent pain lasting for weeks or months without a clear cause, such as chronic headaches or back pain, needs investigation, as it can signal cancer pressing on nerves or organs.
Local and Functional Changes
Changes in bowel habits, such as new-onset persistent constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size or consistency of the stool, can signal colorectal cancer. Similarly, a change in urinary habits, including increased frequency, painful urination, or blood in the urine, warrants evaluation for bladder or prostate cancer.
A persistent cough or hoarseness lasting longer than a few weeks, especially if it does not resolve after a cold, may be linked to lung, throat, or thyroid cancers. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), where food feels stuck or is difficult to move down, can indicate throat or esophageal cancer.
Ongoing indigestion or persistent heartburn that does not respond to typical treatments may be a sign of stomach or esophageal issues. Unexplained bloating or abdominal discomfort lasting more than two weeks, particularly in women, can be a symptom of ovarian or other gastrointestinal cancers.
Skin and Tissue Changes
Any new lump or thickening felt on or beneath the skin (e.g., in the breast, testicle, neck, or armpit) should be promptly checked, as this can be the initial sign of a tumor. Breast changes involve not just a new lump, but also skin dimpling, changes around the nipple, or unusual discharge. A sore that does not heal, particularly on sun-exposed areas, is a symptom of skin cancer.
A change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new one is a concern for melanoma. People should monitor for the “ABCDE” characteristics:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color variation
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
- Evolving size or shape
Other skin changes, such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) or generalized itching, can indicate internal cancers like liver or pancreatic cancer.
Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
Unusual bleeding from any body opening is a significant warning sign. This includes blood in the stool or urine, which may be red or appear black and tarry. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially bleeding after menopause or spotting between periods, is a potential symptom of uterine or cervical cancer.
Bleeding from the nipple or any other unusual discharge requires immediate medical attention. Unexplained bruising or small red or purple spots on the skin (petechiae) can suggest a problem with blood clotting, sometimes seen in blood cancers.
When a Symptom Becomes Concerning
Most of these signs are far more likely to be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as infections, injuries, or common illnesses. The context of a symptom elevates it from a common complaint to a potential concern requiring medical evaluation. A temporary symptom that resolves within a few days is usually not alarming, but a persistent one demands attention.
Persistence is a key factor; a cough lasting for weeks or pain continuing for months, even if mild, should be investigated. Progression is another indicator, meaning a symptom that steadily worsens over time, such as a lump that grows larger or increasing difficulty swallowing. Symptoms that lack an obvious cause, such as unexplained weight loss or a fever without signs of infection, are considered more concerning.
Consulting a Healthcare Provider and Screening
If any of these changes are noticed, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for a thorough examination. When communicating symptoms, be specific about the duration, severity, and any factors that make the symptom better or worse. Providing a clear timeline of when the change began assists the doctor in determining the next steps.
Routine screening remains a powerful tool for finding cancers before symptoms develop. Procedures such as mammography, colonoscopies, and Pap tests are designed to detect precancerous changes or early-stage disease. Engaging in these regular check-ups and screenings, based on age and personal risk factors, offers the best protection through early intervention.