General Cancer Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Several general symptoms may occur with different health conditions, including some cancers. Persistent or unexplained symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.

• Unexplained weight loss: Losing significant weight without intentionally changing diet or exercise may need medical evaluation.
• Persistent fatigue: Tiredness that does not improve with adequate rest and has no clear explanation should be assessed.
• Persistent or recurrent fever: Recurrent or unexplained fever can have many causes and may require evaluation.
• Night sweats: Significant night sweating without an obvious environmental cause may warrant medical attention.

Lumps, Swellings and Skin Changes

A new or enlarging lump anywhere on the body should be evaluated, particularly if it persists or changes over time.

Lumps and Swellings

• A new lump that persists
• A progressively enlarging lump
• A new swelling in the neck, breast, armpit or another area

Skin Changes

• A mole changing in size, shape or colour
• A non-healing skin sore or ulcer
• Unexplained redness or thickening
• Changes in skin texture

A painless lump is not necessarily harmless. Persistent or enlarging lumps should be evaluated rather than ignored.

Unusual Bleeding, Discharge and Digestive Symptoms

Certain forms of unusual bleeding or persistent digestive changes can be among the possible Cancer Symptoms in Chennai and elsewhere. These symptoms can also have many non-cancer causes, so medical evaluation is important.

Bleeding and Discharge

• Blood in the stool
• Blood in the urine
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Blood-stained nipple discharge
• Coughing up blood
• Vomiting blood

Digestive Symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Persistent abdominal bloating
• Change in bowel habits lasting several weeks
• Persistent indigestion
• Feeling full unusually quickly

Head, Neck and Respiratory Cancer Warning Signs

Persistent symptoms involving the throat, mouth, neck or respiratory system may need evaluation, particularly when they do not resolve.

• Persistent hoarseness or voice change
• Chronic cough that does not resolve
• A new or enlarging neck lump
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• A non-healing mouth ulcer
• Persistent difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained breathing difficulties

Tobacco use, alcohol use and other risk factors can increase the importance of appropriate medical evaluation for persistent head, neck and respiratory symptoms.

Understand Your Genetic and Family Cancer Risk

Some people have an increased lifetime risk of cancer because of inherited genetic changes or strong family histories.

When Genetic Risk Assessment May Be Considered

• Multiple relatives with cancer
• A family member diagnosed with cancer at a young age
• A personal history of multiple cancers
• A known hereditary cancer syndrome
• A known family mutation associated with cancer risk

Examples of hereditary cancer-related genes include BRCA1, BRCA2 and genes associated with Lynch syndrome. Genetic counselling and testing should be considered based on individual and family history.

When Should You See an Oncologist in Chennai?

You may consider discussing your symptoms or cancer concerns with an appropriate doctor when symptoms are persistent, unexplained or changing.

• Symptoms persist for several weeks
• A new or enlarging lump develops
• Unexplained bleeding occurs
• A biopsy has shown cancer or suspicious changes
• You need a cancer second opinion
• You want to discuss cancer screening
• You have a significant family history of cancer
• You need a biopsy or pathology report reviewed

Early medical evaluation does not necessarily mean that a symptom is cancer. It provides an opportunity to identify the cause and determine whether further testing is required.