Early Signs

Cancers are characterized as malignant neoplasms (as opposed to nonmalignant ones) in part because they interact silently and insidiously for some time. When a malignant neoplasm grows to a certain size, depending on the location and the neighboring molecules, it begins to cause various signs: it presses on neighboring tissues (therefore it can cause pain), to infiltrate neighboring blood vessels (it can cause bleeding), to acquire such a size which becomes palpable, disrupting the normal function of the organs (resulting in difficulty in swallowing, change in the tone of voice, disturbance of the frequency or quality of bowel movements, etc.).

Early diagnosis of cancer, before it resides spreads locally and more generally, is in the best interests of the patient, because it is one of the most important prognostic factors.

The following list contains symptoms that, when presented, should raise the suspicion of cancer. However, they must not be considered either certain or obligatory in time.

• Weakening of forces, persistent weakness, for no apparent reason.
• Unusual bleeding, even insignificant in terms of quantity, that recur.
• Inflammations that do not subside within a reasonable time, or recur after treatment, eg tonsillitis, glossitis, balanoposthitis, etc.
• Unilateral otitis with fluid ("secretory") in an adult.
• Unilateral otalgia without otitis, persistent.
• Nocturnal intense otalgia, with secretions, which does not subside with the usual means.
• Anorexia, indigestion, painful swallowing, easy satiety with food that persists or resists treatment.
• Changes in bowel behavior, such as changes in frequency, schedule, and bowel movements, especially if they are bloody.
• Abdominal or chest pain.
• Difficult or painful urination, or painless hematuria.
• Tumors, sclera and ulcers on the skin or on organs that are easily felt, such as the breast.
• A pigmented nevus or fleshy olive that suddenly changes in size and color, itches itching or secretions.
• Digestion discomfort or difficulty swallowing.
• Voice ring, even if it temporarily subsides.
• Persistent cough (dry or productive).
• Hemorrhagic sputum.
• Change in breast size, nipple shape, nipple secretions.
• Large weight loss in a short time without dietary reason.
• Pathological discharge from organs with cavities, eg from the nose, vagina, etc. Pathological discharge is characterized when it smells, is bloody, has a different texture and color than usual.
• Anything that is out of the ordinary for every organism.

It should be emphasized again that the above pathological signs do not necessarily mean the existence of cancer. We quote them here, simply because their appearance must in any case raise suspicions and be investigated. The diagnosis must always be properly documented. They can save lives if they mobilize the patient in time.