Understanding Signals Sent by Cancer.

Cancer is a disease where early detection significantly improves survival rates, but sometimes, there are no clear symptoms, and attention must be paid to unexpected signals. In this post, we will delve into five surprising symptoms of cancer.

 

Night Sweats While Sleeping

Night sweats during sleep are commonly associated with sleep apnea, anxiety disorders, or hyperthyroidism. However, surprisingly, 30% of blood cancer patients experience night sweats. Blood cancer cells release inflammatory substances without apparent cause, leading to night sweats. If sudden weight loss occurs without dieting or unusual lumps are found in the neck, armpit, or groin, suspicion of blood cancer should arise. Immediate medical attention and testing are necessary upon discovery.

 

As cancer can manifest with unexpected symptoms, immediate consultation with a specialist upon their discovery is crucial for early detection and treatment to enhance survival rates.

 

Leg Swelling

Cancer is a major cause of leg swelling in the elderly. According to research from domestic university hospitals, 51.3% of elderly individuals complaining of leg swelling were confirmed to have cancer. Poor nutrition due to cancer can decrease albumin production, leading to swelling. Additionally, cancer patients are prone to multiple simultaneous health issues, making swelling more likely to occur.

 

Constricted Pupil in One Eye

A tumor known as "Pancoast tumor" caused by lung cancer can affect the spinal nerves, leading to constriction of the pupil in one eye. Symptoms of Horner's syndrome that may occur include drooping upper eyelid, reduced pupil size in one eye, and lack of sweating on one side of the face. Horner's syndrome is one of the most common causes of tumors, emphasizing the importance of swift diagnosis. Immediate hospital visits and testing are recommended upon the appearance of suspicious symptoms.

 

Swelling at Fingertips and Darkening of Hands

The clubbing phenomenon caused by lung cancer results from expanded blood vessels due to insufficient oxygen in the body, leading to swelling at the fingertips. Moreover, when cancer spreads and venous function decreases, areas such as the face and neck may also swell. Cancer-related acanthosis nigricans manifests with gray or brown pigment deposits on the skin, thickening of the skin, and the development of wrinkles. It is particularly associated with lung cancer, and rapid testing is necessary if such changes occur.

 

Jaundice and Itching

Jaundice and itching can occur due to "Stauffer's syndrome," a condition associated with cancer. It is known to result from the inhibition of genes regulating bile secretion by substances acting on the liver. If problems arise in the liver or bile excretion, accumulation of bile acids and lipids in the body can lead to jaundice and itching. Patients with Stauffer's syndrome can resolve these symptoms by removing the cancer or through treatment regulating interleukin-6 levels.

 

As cancer can manifest with unexpected symptoms, immediate consultation with a specialist upon their discovery is crucial for early detection and treatment to enhance survival rates. Regular health check-ups are essential, and thorough testing is mandatory when suspicious symptoms arise.