Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
Carcinoma; Malignant tumor
Symptoms
Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the cancer. For example, lung cancer can cause
Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all. In certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
The following symptoms can occur with most cancers:
Chills Fatigue Fever Loss of appetite Malaise - Night sweats
Weight loss
Signs and tests
Like symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following:
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Biopsy of the tumor - Blood tests (which look for chemicals such as tumor markers)
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Bone marrow biopsy (for lymphoma or leukemia) Chest x-ray -
Complete blood count (CBC) CT scan MRI scan
Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer have CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the tumor or tumors.
A cancer diagnosis is difficult to cope with. It is important, however, that you discuss the type, size, and location of the cancer with your doctor when you are diagnosed. You also will want to ask about treatment options, along with their benefits and risks.
It's a good idea to have someone with you at the doctor's office to help you get through the diagnosis. If you have trouble asking questions after hearing about your diagnosis, the person you bring with you can ask them for you.
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Review Date: 08/14/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
