First symptoms  |  Chest pain  |  Infections  |  Bleeding  |  Weight loss

The first symptoms of cancer are ignored and the doctor is consulted only when the matter becomes very serious. Recognize the symptoms of cancer and seek help in time.

It is important not to ignore unusual, new and unexplained symptoms. Although they can also be caused by less dangerous diseases, if they persist, it is worth checking the condition with a doctor.

This is a list of the ten most common cancer symptoms that you should not ignore

First symptoms of cancer

Wheezing or shortness of breath

One of the first signs of lung cancer, which patients suffering from this disease say they have noticed, is difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath or wheezing in the lungs. A common misdiagnosis in this case, which most people establish for themselves, is that they have asthma.

Chronic cough or chest pain

Several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung cancer, can cause symptoms that mimic a cough or bronchitis. One way to tell the difference is the problem persists or disappears and returns again in a repeating cycle.

Frequent fevers or infections

These can be symptoms of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells that starts in the bone marrow. Leukemia first causes the production of abnormal white blood cells so that healthy white blood cells cannot fight infections effectively. It is often discovered in adults only when the patient complains of frequent occurrences of fever and flu-like symptoms.

Difficulty in swallowing

Most commonly associated with throat or esophageal cancer, difficulty swallowing is often the first symptom of lung cancer.

Swollen lymph nodes or nodules in the neck, underarms or groin

Enlarged lymph glands indicate changes in the lymphatic system, which can be a sign of cancer. For example, a lump or enlarged lymph node under the armpit is sometimes a sign of breast cancer. A painless nodule in the neck, armpit or groin can be an early sign of leukemia.

Excessive bruising or bleeding that does not stop

This symptom may be an indication of abnormal platelet and red blood cell activity, which may be a sign of leukemia. The formation of bruises in "strange" places (fingers and hands) as well as red spots on the face, neck and chest is another symptom that should not be ignored.

Abdominal or pelvic pain

By itself, pelvic pain can mean many things. In fact, it is a common symptom of ovarian cysts and other disorders of the reproductive tract.

Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

One of the first symptoms of colon cancer is rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Patients often confuse it with hemorrhoids. If you notice the mentioned symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Unexplained weight loss

If you notice that the kilos are "melting away", and you haven't made any changes in your diet or lifestyle, you need to ask yourself why this is so. Weight loss can be an early sign of colon cancer and other digestive cancers, it can also be a sign of cancer that has spread to the liver and is affecting your appetite and the body's ability to get rid of "waste".

Unexplained changes in the nails

Unexplained changes in the nails can be a symptom of different types of cancer. Brown or black lines or dots under the nail may indicate skin cancer. Pale or white nails can be a sign that the liver is not working properly, which can also be a sign of liver cancer.