Cancer Care Center | What are some of the Common Signs & Symptoms?

Understanding Cancer

What are Some Common Signs and Symptoms of Cancer?

Cancer can cause a variety of symptoms. Possible signs of cancer include the following:

A thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body
An obvious change in a wart or mole
A sore that does not heal
A nagging cough or hoarseness
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Unexplained changes in weight
Unusual bleeding or discharge

When these or other symptoms occur, they are not always caused by cancer. They can also be caused by infections, benign tumors or other problems. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms or about other physical changes. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. A person with these or other symptoms should not wait to feel pain; early cancer does not usually cause pain.

If symptoms occur, a doctor may order various tests and may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is usually the most reliable way to know whether a medical problem is cancer. During a biopsy, the doctor removes a sample of tissue from the abnormal area. A pathologist studies the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

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