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Oncology (Cancer)/Hematology
- What is Cancer?
- Prevention and Risk Factors
- Signs and Symptoms
- Treatment
Signs and Symptoms
The seven warning signs
To remember the seven early warning signs of cancer (as designated by the American Cancer Society) think of the word CAUTION:Change in bowel or bladder habits
A sore throat that does not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Obvious change in a wart or mole
Nagging cough or hoarsenessA symptom is an indication of disease, illness, injury, or that something is not right in the body. Symptoms are felt or noticed by a patient, but not easily observed by anyone else. For example chills, weakness, achiness, shortness of breath, and a cough are symptoms that might indicate pneumonia.
A sign is also an indication of illness, injury, or that something is not right in the body. But, signs are defined as observations made by a physician, nurse or other health care professional. Fever, rapid breathing rate, abnormal breathing sounds heard through a stethoscope are signs that may indicate pneumonia.
The presence of one symptom or sign may not provide enough information to suggest a cause. For example a rash in a child could be a symptom of a number of things including poison ivy, a generalized infection like rubella, an infection limited to the skin, or a food allergy. But, if the rash is associated with a high fever, chills, achiness and a sore throat, then all of the symptoms together provide a better picture of the illness. In many cases, a patient's signs and symptoms do not provide enough clues to determine the cause of an illness, and medical tests such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy may be needed.
Although some generalized symptoms and signs such as unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, or lumps may be due to several types of cancer, they are often caused by other types of disease. Other signs and symptoms are relatively specific to a particular type of cancer. For more information refer to the Detection and Symptoms sections of the individual Cancer Resource Centers.
What is Cancer? | Prevention and Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms | Treatment