The cancer symptom that strikes at night – and 5 other signs you need to know
THERE are some cancer symptoms which everyone is aware of.
A general feeling of fatigue or unusual lumps and bumps are well documented and understood signs of the deadly disease.
But sweating, specifically at night, is another less commonly known symptom for specific types of cancers, according to experts at healthline.
These cancers include:
- carcinoid tumors
- leukemia
- lymphoma
- bone cancer
- liver cancer
- mesothelioma
Sweating is the body’s way of cooling itself.
It happens to everyone throughout the day, but some people experience episodes of increased sweating at night.
Experts still do not fully understand why some types of cancer cause night sweats.
But it could be the result of the body trying to fight cancer.
Or the hormonal changes that happen when someone has the disease, experts at healthline explained.
What are the 12 other signs and symptoms of cancer?
1. Unexplained pain
It’s normal to experience more pain the older we get.
However, unexplained pain can be a sign that something more serious might be going on, according to charity Cancer Research.
2. Unexplained weight loss
Small weight changes over time are quite normal, but if you lose a noticeable amount of weight without trying to its worth telling your doctor.
According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss is often the first noticeable symptom of cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, and lung.
3. Unusual lump or swelling
Persistent lumps or swelling on any part of the body should always be checked out by a medical expert.
That includes any lumps in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast or testicle, Cancer research explained.
4. Fatigue
Feeling tired is fairly normal and can be caused by stress, not eating enough or simply not getting enough sleep, the charity said.
However, if you’re feeling tired for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong – speak to your doctor.
Fatigue may be a symptom of blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
This is because these cancers start in the bone marrow, which produces red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.
5. Skin changes
When a spot, wart or sore doesn’t heal, even if it’s painless, a doctor needs to check it.
Similarly, you should also be aware of any new moles or existing moles that change in size, shape or colour, become crusty, itch, hurt, bleed or ooze, the charity explained.
Any unusual change in a patch of skin or a nail, whether it’s a new change or has been there for a while, should be checked out by your doctor.
6. Difficulty swallowing
It’s worth seeing your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing and this isn’t related to another illness you already have.
Difficulty swallowing may be a symptom of esophageal cancer, Cancer research says.
7. Digestive issues
These include painful heartburn, persistent appetite loss or bloating (even if it comes and goes, talk to your doctor).
The charity outlines on it’s website that digestive issues can be an early symptom of gastric cancer.
8. Croaky voice, persistent cough or breathlessness
Having a croaky voice that hasn’t gone away on its own should be checked out.
As should a unexplained cough doesn’t go away in a few weeks.
It’s not unusual to feel out of breath every now and then. But if you notice that you’re feeling breathless more than usual or for a lot of the time, tell your doctor.
If you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, it could be a sign of cancer of the larynx, according to the NHS website.
9. Changes in your poo or pee
A change in bowel habits can include constipation, looser poo or pooing more often can also be a sign of something more serious.
Problems peeing might be needing to go more often or urgently, experiencing pain when peeing, or not being able to go when you need to, the cancer charity said.
10. Unexplained bleeding or blood
Unexplained bleeding can often be caused by something far less serious than cancer, but you should always report it to your doctor.
This includes blood in your poo or pee, and vomiting or coughing up blood – no matter how much or what colour (it could be red, or a darker colour like brown or black).
It also includes any unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause.
11. Mouth ulcer or patch that won’t heal
It’s common to get ulcers (small sores) in the mouth when you’re a bit run down. These usually get better in about two weeks, the charity added.
But an ulcer or red or white patch that doesn’t heal after 3 weeks should be reported to your doctor or dentist.
12. Unusual breast changes
Lumps, change in the size, shape or feel of a breast, or any skin changes, redness, or pain in the breast are all worth getting checked out.
Nipple changes, including fluid, which could be blood stained, leaking from the nipple if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding are also worth keeping an eye on.
It’s not always easy talking about cancer, but a conversation with your GP could very possibly save your life.
If you are displaying any of these “red flag” symptoms its very important that you go and get checked out by your family doctor.