Understanding Common Cancers and Their Symptoms

Cancer is a formidable adversary, a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body. Its origins can vary, with cells proliferating in diverse locations and often metastasizing to other parts of the body. According to Narayana Health, cancer broadly falls into three categories: Carcinomas, Sarcomas, and Blood cancers. Carcinomas, the most prevalent type, arise in membranes and glands, such as those in the head-neck, lung, prostate, breast, esophagus, colorectal, and anus. Sarcomas, less common, originate from bone, muscle, or nerve tissues, while Blood cancers encompass leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Common Types of Cancer and Associated Symptoms

1. Lung Cancer:
   • Types: Non-small cell lung cancer, Small cell lung cancer.
   • Symptoms: Persistent cough, coughing blood, chest pain, hoarseness, loss of appetite, weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue, recurrent infections, wheezing.
2. Melanoma (Skin Cancer):
   • Symptoms: Non-healing sore, changes in mole including spread of pigment, redness or swelling, change in sensation, scaliness or bleeding.
3. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:
   • Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, coughing, fatigue, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss.
4. Pancreatic Cancer:
   • Symptoms: Abdominal or back pain, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, jaundice, light-colored stools, dark-colored urine, itching, new onset diabetes, blood clots, fatigue.
5. Prostate Cancer:
   • Symptoms: Difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, blood in urine or semen, bone pain, unintended weight loss, erectile dysfunction.
6. Thyroid Cancer:
   • Symptoms: Neck lump, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, neck and throat pain, swollen lymph nodes.
7. Bladder Cancer:
   • Symptoms: Blood in urine, frequent or painful urination, back pain.
8. Breast Cancer:
   • Symptoms: Breast lump or swelling, skin changes, nipple abnormalities, breast pain.
9. Colon and Rectal Cancer:
   • Symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, unintended weight loss.
10. Endometrial Cancer:
    • Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain.
11. Kidney Cancer:
    • Symptoms: Blood in urine, persistent back or side pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever.
12. Leukemia:
    • Symptoms: Fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, frequent infections, bone pain, headaches, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes.
13. Liver Cancer:
    • Symptoms: Jaundice, abdominal pain, shoulder pain, unexplained weight loss, enlarged liver or spleen, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, itching, fever, feeling full quickly.

Conclusion:

Recognizing the symptoms associated with different types of cancer is crucial for early detection and prompt intervention. While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they can also be caused by various other conditions. Therefore, seeking medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment is paramount. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your health and well-being.