Science and modern medicine have come a long way in diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but it still remains one of the top ten leading killers in America and is still a leading diagnosis for those who are admitted into hospice care. However, with nearly every form of cancer, one of the best ways to improve the prognosis is to detect it in its early stages and begin some form of treatment. Below are five ways to detect cancer even before testing, symptoms that should be shared with your doctor immediately.
Oral Changes
Oral cancer is becoming one of the most common forms of disease in this country, and not surprisingly, those most at risk are ones who use tobacco products, especially chewing tobacco. Warning signs that oral cancer may be developing include unusual bleeding or sores in the mouth that do not heal or patches of red or white on the inside of the mouth or on the tongue or lips. These definitely need to be discussed with your doctor.
Thickening of Lymph Nodes or Lumps
Some cancer formations can of course be physically felt, especially cancers of the breasts or testes, and this can often present as a thickening of the lymph nodes or actual lumps when the breasts or testes are examined. Breast cancer can also present with puckered or thickened skin or discharge from the nipples. Again, this signs should be discussed with your physician.
Difficulty Swallowing
This sign can often be missed since so many things can account for it such as the cold or flu or strep throat. However, if you are having problems swallowing in absence of any obvious cause and this symptoms persists, it could be an early sign of the development of throat cancer and this should also be discussed with a medical professional, particularly if you have a history of tobacco use.
Skin Changes
Changes in the skin can be signals of skin cancer or other forms of cancer developing. What you should look out for in particular are changes that include non-healing sores or lesions, dry or scaly skin patches, reddened or inflamed skin that won’t respond to treatment or warts, freckles or moles that change in color, shape, size, or border pattern.
Cough
Again, coughing is a normal symptom for allergies, the flu or cold or upper respiratory infections. However, if you have a cough in absence of these conditions, especially one which persists and if you notice the cough becoming deeper or more hoarse, or if there is an increase in sputum or if you cough up blood, these are all signs that something might be amiss.
Many people can be tempted to ignore these problems because they are frightened, but don’t. Ignoring cancer will certainly not make it go away and getting into your doctor for diagnosis and early treatment is the very best thing you can do if you want to improve your prognosis and give yourself your best chance at surviving this disease.
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