Signs and symptoms play a crucial role in indicating the presence of an injury or disease within the body. While the signs are often noticed by others, the symptoms are felt and recognized by the individual. Recognizing the subtle signs of cancer is essential for early detection and timely intervention. In this article, we will explore 15 silent signs of cancer that individuals should be aware of, along with the importance of understanding symptoms and seeking medical care.

Distinguish between signs and symptoms:
Signs are indicators that can be noticed by others, such as a doctor, nurse, or someone close to the patient. On the other hand, the patient feels or notices the symptoms himself. Both are crucial in the diagnostic process.

Not necessarily final:
One sign or symptom may not provide enough information to determine the cause. For example, a rash in a child can be attributed to different causes, requiring additional signs and symptoms to make a comprehensive diagnosis.

Complementary medical examinations:
When signs and symptoms alone do not provide conclusive clues, doctors may recommend complementary medical tests, including radiographs, blood tests, biopsies and other tests to aid in the diagnosis.

15 silent signs of cancer:

1. Persistent cough:
   A persistent cough, especially if accompanied by other respiratory symptoms, can be a sign of underlying problems, including lung cancer.
2. Change in bowel habits:
   • Frequent changes in bowel patterns, such as increased stool frequency or passing loose stools with blood, may indicate colon cancer.
3. Sudden bumps on the body:
   Unexplained lumps or swellings, especially if they are large, hard, and painless, should be examined for possible cancerous growths.
4. Changes in moles:
   Changes in the size, shape, or color of moles on the skin may indicate melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
5. Unexplained weight loss:
   Sudden, involuntary weight loss, especially more than 5% of body weight within a few months, can be an early sign of cancer.
6. Persistent pain:
   • Persistent pain that lasts for weeks or months, for no apparent reason, should not be ignored and requires medical care.
7. Difficulty swallowing:
   Difficulty swallowing food may occur if there are tumors in the neck, which obstruct its passage and make eating difficult.
8. Itchy skin:
   Itchy skin can result from increased blood flow in areas containing cancer cells, which triggers immune system responses.
9. Changes in urine:
   A sudden change in the color, appearance and smell of urine may be an indication of underlying problems, including cancer.
10. Changes in voice:
    Laryngeal cancer can affect the voice, leading to sudden or persistent changes that require medical attention.
11. Wounds that do not heal:
    Slow wound healing may indicate that the body is prioritizing the immune response against cancer rather than wound healing.
12. Persistent cough:
    Most types of cancer can cause a persistent cough, which requires evaluation if it lasts longer than 2-3 weeks.
13. Bleeding:
    • Any unexplained bleeding, whether in stool, cough, sneezing or urine, should see a doctor.
14. Lumps in the mouth or on the tongue:
    The appearance of white bumps in the mouth or throat may be an indication of the presence of a tumor and requires consulting a doctor.
15. Lumps under the skin:
    Swollen and lumpy areas under the skin may indicate the presence of a serious tumor and should be examined.

The importance of seeking timely care:

Early detection saves lives:
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cancer and treating them early can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

Periodic examinations and examinations:
– Regular checkups, even for individuals without symptoms, play a crucial role in detecting certain types of cancer before symptoms appear. Health organizations often recommend specific tests to detect potential problems early.

Do not ignore symptoms:
– Symptoms should not be ignored or overlooked, even if they seem minor, especially if they persist or worsen over time. Seeking medical care immediately allows for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate intervention.

Comprehensive diagnosis:
Doctors consider a combination of signs, symptoms and diagnostic tests to provide a comprehensive diagnosis. This approach ensures a more accurate understanding of the underlying health problem.

Conclusion:

Understanding the signs and symptoms of cancer is essential for early detection and effective treatment. Although not every sign or symptom indicates cancer, individuals should be cautious and seek medical care if their condition persists.