Cancer Symptoms

Cancer symptoms can be variable from person-to-person. They occur when the cancer begins growing to compress or invade surrounding structures. Often patients with localized cancer will have a new lump or bump. Sometimes this will be associated with swelling or redness of the skin. Skin breakdown can also occur.

Other cancer symptoms can develop, which may include fever, night sweats, weight loss. People may have headaches, or change in their vision.

Sometimes symptoms can include difficulty swallowing or pain with swallowing. Patients may develop a hoarse voice, or a pain in the neck or back. Patients may develop shortness of breath or chronic cough, sometimes associated with chest pain or pain with taking a deep breath.

Patients may notice abdominal discomfort. Pain may radiate from the back around to the front of the abdomen or chest. Symptoms such as blood in the stool or blood in the urine should never be ignored. If the cancer involves the bones, pain may develop in those areas.

Other Cancer symptoms may include swelling of an arm or leg. These symptoms may be associated with the development of a new blood clot. The most common symptoms are fatigue and a decreased appetite. Some patients may develop jaundice or abdominal swelling. Sometimes, the cancer will be diagnosed on routine chest x-ray or mammogram, before cancer symptoms actually develop.

Symptoms of Cancer often do not lead directly to the underlying diagnosis and many symptoms can be misleading. Please review all concerns and information found on this website with your health care provider.