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  • Cancer
    Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by out-of-control cell growth. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. The cancer is named after the area of the body or organ where it originates.
Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 15 October 2015

Cancer symptoms depend on the site and size of the cancer and how much it has affected the organ. If the cancer has spread, symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. Common symptoms include:

  • Unexplained weight loss. Loss of more than 10 pounds may be the first sign.
  • Lump under the skin.
  • Fever, commonly seen in blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
  • Tiredness or fatigue that does not get better even after rest.
  • Unhealing sores on the skin,inside the mouth or the genital area.
  • Sudden change in voice, hoarseness and cough that does not subside.
  • Eating problems such as difficulty swallowing, discomfort after meals, or change in appetite.
  • Change in bowel habits such as long lasting diarrhea, constipation etc.
  • Change in bladder function such as pain or blood while urinating.
  • Presence of blood in urine, stool, sputum, nipple discharge or genital discharge.
  • Breast changes in shape, size and texture of skin.
  • Skin changes, like mole changes, darkened skin, unhealing rash.
  • Unexplained night sweats.
  • Pain (usually not felt in early stages of cancer).
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