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What are signs and symptoms?
A sign
is also a signal that something is not right in the body. But signs are
signals that can be seen by someone else -- maybe a loved one, or a
doctor, nurse, or other health care professional. Fever, fast
breathing, and abnormal lung sounds heard through a stethoscope may be
signs of pneumonia.
A symptom is
a signal of disease, illness, injury, or that something is not right in
the body. Symptoms are felt or noticed by the person who has them, but
may not be easily seen by anyone else. For example, weakness, aches,
and feeling short of breath may be symptoms of pneumonia.
Having one sign or symptom may not be enough to figure out
what's causing it. For example, a rash in a child could be a sign of a
number of things, such as poison ivy, measles, a skin infection, or a
food allergy. But if the child has the rash along with other signs and
symptoms like a high fever, chills, achiness, and a sore throat, then a
doctor can get a better picture of the illness. Sometimes, a patient's
signs and symptoms still don't give the doctor enough clues to figure
out the cause of an illness. Then medical tests, such as x-rays, blood
tests, or a biopsy may be needed.
How does cancer cause signs and symptoms?
Cancer is a group of diseases that can cause almost any sign
or symptom. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is,
how big it is, and how much it affects the organs or tissues. If a
cancer has spread (metastasized),
signs or symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.
As a cancer grows, it can begin to push on nearby organs,
blood vessels, and nerves. This pressure causes some of the signs and
symptoms of cancer. If the cancer is in a critical area, such as
certain parts of the brain, even the smallest tumor can cause symptoms.
But sometimes cancer starts in places where it will not cause
any symptoms until it has grown quite large. One example is cancers in
the pancreas. They usually do not cause symptoms until they grow large
enough to press on nearby nerves or organs (this causes back or belly
pain). Others grow around the bile duct and block the flow of bile.
This causes the eyes and skin to look yellow (jaundice). By the
time a pancreatic cancer causes these signs or symptoms, it is usually
in an advanced stage. This means it has grown and spread beyond the
place it started -- the pancreas.
A cancer may also cause symptoms like fever, extreme tiredness
(fatigue),
or weight loss. This may be because cancer cells use up much of the
body's energy supply, or they may release substances that change the
way the body makes energy from food. Or the cancer may cause the immune
system to react in ways that produce these symptoms.
Sometimes, cancer cells release substances into the
bloodstream that cause symptoms which are not usually linked to cancer.
For example, some cancers of the pancreas can release substances which
cause blood clots in veins of the legs. Some lung cancers make
hormone-like substances that raise blood calcium levels. This affects
nerves and muscles, making the person feel weak and dizzy.
How are signs and symptoms helpful?
Treatment works best when cancer is found early. Finding
cancer early usually means it can be treated while it is still small
and is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This
often means a better chance for a cure, especially if the cancer can be
removed with surgery.
A good example of the importance of finding cancer early is
melanoma skin cancer. It can be easy to remove if it has not grown deep
into the skin. The 5-year
survival rate (percentage of people who live at least 5
years after diagnosis) at this stage is nearly 100%. Once melanoma has
spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate drops below
20%.
Sometimes people ignore symptoms. They may not know that
symptoms could mean something is wrong. Or they may be frightened by
what the symptoms might mean and don't want to get medical help. Some
symptoms, such as tiredness, are more likely caused by something other
than cancer. They can seem unimportant, especially if there is an
obvious cause or the problem only lasts a short time. In the same way,
a person may reason that a symptom like a breast lump is probably a
cyst that will go away by itself. But no symptom should be ignored or
overlooked, especially if it has lasted a long time or is getting
worse.
Most likely, any symptoms you may have will not be caused by
cancer, but it's important to have them checked out by a doctor, just
in case. If cancer is not the cause, a doctor can help figure out what
is and treat it, if needed.
Sometimes, it is possible to find cancer before you have
symptoms. The American Cancer Society and other health groups recommend
cancer-related check-ups and certain tests for people even though they
have no symptoms. This helps find certain cancers early, before
symptoms start. For more information on early detection tests, see our
document American Cancer Society
Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer.
But keep in mind, even if you have these recommended tests, it is still
important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms.
What are some general cancer signs and
symptoms?
You should know some of the general signs and symptoms of
cancer. But remember, having any of these does not mean that you have
cancer -- many other things cause these signs and symptoms, too. If you
have any of these symptoms and they last for a long time or get worse,
please see a doctor to find out what is going on.
Unexplained weight loss
Most people with cancer will lose weight at some point. When
you lose weight with no known reason, it's called an unexplained weight
loss. An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first
sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas,
stomach, esophagus, or lung.
Fever
Fever is very common with cancer, but it more often happens
after cancer has spread from where it started. Almost all patients with
cancer will have fever at some time, especially if the cancer or its
treatment affects the immune system. This can make it harder for the
body to fight infection. Less often, fever may be an early sign of
cancer, such as blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.
Fatigue
Fatigue is extreme tiredness that does not get better with
rest. It may be an important symptom as cancer grows. It may happen
early, though, in cancers like leukemia. Some colon or stomach cancers
can cause blood loss. This is another way cancer can cause fatigue.
Pain
Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers like bone
cancers or testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away or get
better with treatment may be a symptom of a brain tumor. Back pain can
be a symptom of cancer of the colon, rectum, or ovary. Most often, pain
due to cancer is a symptom of cancer that has already spread from where
it started (metastasized).
Skin changes
Along with cancers of the skin, some other cancers can cause
skin symptoms or signs that can be seen. These signs and symptoms
include:
- Darker looking skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Reddened skin (erythema)
- Itching (pruritis)
- Excessive hair growth
Signs and symptoms of certain cancers
Along with the general symptoms, you should watch for certain
other common symptoms and signs which could suggest cancer. Again,
there may be other causes for each of these, but it is important to see
a doctor about them as soon as possible.
Change in bowel habits or bladder function
Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of
the stool may be a sign of colon cancer. Pain when passing urine, blood
in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as needing to pass
urine more or less often than usual) could be related to bladder or
prostate cancer. Report any changes in bladder or bowel function to a
doctor.
Sores that do not heal
Skin cancers may bleed and look like sores that do not heal. A
long-lasting sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer. This should be
dealt with right away, especially in people who smoke, chew tobacco, or
often drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs
of infection or an early cancer, and should be checked by a doctor.
White patches inside the mouth or white
spots on the tongue
White patches inside the mouth and white spots on the tongue
may be leukoplakia.
Leukoplakia is a pre-cancerous area that is caused by frequent
irritation. It is often caused by smoking or other tobacco use. People
who smoke pipes or use oral or spit tobacco are at high risk for
leukoplakia. If it is not treated, leukoplakia can become oral cancer.
Any long-lasting mouth changes should be checked by a doctor or dentist
right away.
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Unusual bleeding can happen in early or advanced cancer. Blood
in the sputum (phlegm) may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool
(or a dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer.
Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium
(lining of the uterus) can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Blood in
the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge
from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.
Thickening or lump in the breast or other
parts of the body
Many cancers can be felt through the skin. These cancers occur
mostly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft
tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign
of cancer and should be reported to a doctor, especially if you've just
found it or notice it has grown in size.
Indigestion or trouble swallowing
Indigestion or swallowing problems may be signs of cancer of
the esophagus
(the swallowing tube that goes to the stomach), stomach, or pharynx (throat).
But like most symptoms on this list, they are most often caused by
something other than cancer.
Recent change in a wart or mole or any new
skin change
Any wart, mole, or freckle that changes color, size, or shape,
or that loses its sharp border should be seen by a doctor right away.
Any other skin changes should be reported, too. A skin change may be a
melanoma which, if found early, can be treated successfully.
Nagging cough or hoarseness
A cough that does not go away may be a sign of lung cancer.
Hoarseness can be a sign of cancer of the voice box (larynx) or thyroid
gland.
The signs and symptoms listed above are the ones more commonly
seen with cancer, but there are many others that are less common and
are not listed here. If you notice any major changes in the way your
body works or the way you feel -- especially if it lasts for a long
time or gets worse -- let a doctor know. If it has nothing to do with
cancer, the doctor can find out more about what's going on and, if
needed, treat it. If it is cancer, you'll give yourself the chance to
have it treated early, when treatment works best.
Additional resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
We have selected some related information that may also be
helpful to you. These materials may be viewed on our Web site or
ordered from our toll-free number.
- Understanding Your Lab Test Results
- Questions That People Ask About Cancer (also available in
Spanish)
National organizations and Web sites*
Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of
information and support include:
CancerCare
Toll-free number: 1-800-813-4673
Web site: www.cancercare.org
Offers cancer information and support to people with cancer,
caregivers, and loved ones
National Cancer
Institute (NCI)
Toll-free number: 1-800-422-6237
Web site: www.cancer.gov
The Cancer Information Service provides accurate, up-to-date
information about cancer to patients, their families, and the general
public.
*Inclusion on
this list does not imply endorsement by the American Cancer Society.
No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or
night, for cancer-related information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or
visit www.cancer.org.
References
Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry. Cancer
Fact Sheet. Accessed at
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/COM/cancer-fs.html on December 18, 2009.
National Cancer Institute. Cancer: Questions and Answers.
Accessed at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/general
on December 18, 2009.
Last Medical Review: 01/06/2010
Last Revised: 01/06/2010
Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009
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