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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Cancer: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > Cancers and Tumors

Cancer

Alternate Names : Carcinoma, Tumor, Malignancy

Cancer | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

The specific symptoms of cancer depend upon where the cancer is located. In some cases, a tumor can stay hidden for years because it causes no damage to tissues that would result in an observable symptom. Examples of cancers that may stay hidden for a long time include the following.

  • A breast lump must grow to the size of the fingertip to be felt.
  • A colon cancer may be undetected until it erodes into a blood vessel in the colon. Blood will then leak into the stool.
  • Many times the symptoms of cancer are vague or can be mistaken for other diseases. The non-specific symptoms of cancer can include:

  • abnormal discharges
  • fatigue
  • persistent cough
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unusual lumps or growth
  • Any of these symptoms should prompt you to see your doctor.


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    Cancer: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Cancer: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Miriam P. Rogers, EdD, RN, AOCN, CNS
    Reviewer: Fern Carness, RN, MPH
    Date Reviewed: 05/07/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006