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THE MERCK MANUAL MEDICAL LIBRARY: The Merck Manual of Medical Information--Home Edition
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Introduction
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Section

Cancer

Subject

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cancer

Topics

Introduction· Diagnosis· Symptoms

Introduction

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Cancer can produce many different symptoms, some subtle and some not at all subtle. Some symptoms develop early in the course of cancer and are therefore important warning signs that should be evaluated by a doctor. Other symptoms develop only after the cancer progresses and are therefore not helpful in the early detection of cancer. Still other symptoms, such as nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and vomiting, may be the result of the cancer or its treatment, may be warning signs, or may even result from conditions other than cancer. Some symptoms occur with many or almost all cancers, and others are specific to the type of cancer and where it is growing.

Screening programs allow early detection and diagnosis of cancer. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment is likely to be.
Warning Signs of Cancer

Because cancer is more likely to be cured if less advanced when treatment is begun, it is critical that cancer be discovered early. Some symptoms may give early warning of cancer and should, therefore, trigger a person to seek medical care. Fortunately, most of these symptoms are usually caused by far less serious conditions. Nonetheless, the development of any of the warning signs of cancer should not be ignored.

Some of the warning signs are general; that is, they are vague changes that do not help pinpoint any particular cancer. Still, their presence can help direct doctors to perform the physical examinations and laboratory tests necessary to exclude or confirm a diagnosis. Other symptoms are much more specific and steer doctors to a particular kind of cancer or location. Some warning signs of cancer are:

  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats
  • Loss of appetite
  • New, persistent pain
  • Recurrent nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in urine
  • Blood in stool (either visible or detectable by special tests)
  • Sudden depression
  • A recent change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
  • Recurrent fever
  • Chronic cough
  • Changes in the size or color of a mole or changes in a skin ulcer that does not heal
  • Enlarged lymph nodes

Last full review/revision October 2006 by Matthew G. Fury, MD
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