Is long-term indigestion a symptom of cancer? What are the precursors of cancer?

Theoretically, everyone has the possibility of getting cancer, but due to different diets and lifestyles, people's probabilities of getting cancer are different. Next, let's take a look at what the early symptoms of cancer are and which 10 types of people are more likely to get cancer.

Early symptoms of cancer

Abnormal bleeding

Dr. Micheli said that in addition to hemorrhoids, blood in the stool is likely to be a symptom of colon cancer, and colonoscopy should be performed if necessary. Middle-aged and elderly people over 40 years old, in addition to women's menstruation, should be alert to bladder cancer or kidney cancer if they have painless blood in the urine or difficulty urinating. In addition to blood in the stool, if the tumor grows near the anus, symptoms such as thin stools and increased frequency may also occur, and even lead to difficulty in defecation.

Oral changes

The American Cancer Society states that smokers should be especially aware of white spots in the mouth and on the tongue, which can be a precursor to oral cancer: leukoplakia.

indigestion

Women who suffer from long-term indigestion (except during pregnancy) may have symptoms of esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer, or gastric cancer.

Difficulty swallowing

Dr. Lichtenfeld said that long-term dysphagia may be a sign of laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer and stomach cancer, and should be examined by chest X-ray or gastroscopy as soon as possible. The so-called dysphagia generally refers to pain behind the sternum and a foreign body sensation in the esophagus when eating. Even if some people do not eat, they will feel that there are vegetable leaves, fragments or rice grains in the esophagus. After swallowing food, they will feel that the food goes down slowly or even stays in the esophagus.

Skin changes

Mary Daly, an oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, USA, warns that sudden lumps or pigmentation on the skin, with obvious changes, may be signs of skin cancer. After observing for a few weeks, you should see a doctor immediately. In addition, no matter your age, you should also see a doctor if your skin suddenly bleeds or peels abnormally.

fatigue

Generally speaking, feeling tired is a sign of cancer development, but for leukemia, colon cancer, and stomach cancer, it may feel tired in the early stages of the disease. What is the difference between cancer fatigue and ordinary fatigue? Experts from the American Cancer Society say that ordinary fatigue will disappear, but cancer fatigue is difficult to improve no matter how you rest.

Coughing

Dr. Lanit Micheli of Georgetown University School of Medicine said that if an unexplained cough persists for more than 3-4 weeks, you should see a doctor promptly, as it could be a sign of lung or throat cancer.

Losing weight for no apparent reason

It's easy to lose weight, but if you lose 10% of your body weight inexplicably without increasing your exercise or eating less in a month, you should seek medical attention. Rapid weight loss, anorexia, and recurrent diarrhea and constipation are the most common symptoms of lung, stomach, kidney, and colorectal cancers, and may also be hyperthyroidism in women.

Persistent abdominal pain and depression

Dr. Leonardo Lichtenfeld said that if the abdominal pain is persistent and accompanied by depression symptoms, he is likely to have pancreatic cancer. Because experts have found that depression is closely related to pancreatic cancer. Other symptoms include: jaundice or abnormal gray stool.

Lymph node changes

Dr. Linden said that no matter where in the body, especially in the armpits or neck, swollen lymph nodes should not be taken lightly. If the lymph nodes continue to increase for more than 1 month, it is likely to be a symptom of breast cancer or brain cancer.

fever

Fever is usually caused by influenza, pneumonia or other inflammation, but an unexplained fever can be a dangerous sign. The American Cancer Society said that when cancer spreads to other organs in the body, it often causes a fever. Lymphoma, leukemia and other blood cancers also have symptoms of fever. Xu Zhijian, director of the Cancer Prevention Department of the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, added that lymphoma will continue to have a fever in the early and middle stages, with a body temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius, and may have a high fever when complicated by infection. Necessary examinations include: chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.

Breast lumps

If women find that the skin of the breast is red and swollen, they should be particularly careful. "Especially if there is a rash on the breast that lasts for several weeks, it must be checked." Dr. Linden, an oncologist at Hannah, said. In addition, she pointed out that non-breastfeeding women have inverted nipples and often discharge fluid, which is also a bad sign.

pain

The American Cancer Society said that body pain increases with age. But when certain parts of the body ache for no apparent reason and last for more than a week, the cause should be found out as soon as possible, because pain without reason may be a sign of cancer. For example, long-term abdominal pain is a symptom of colorectal cancer, chest pain may be caused by lung cancer, and bone pain may be a symptom of cancer metastasis. Liu Juntian pointed out that pancreatic cancer appears in the upper abdomen, such as stubborn dull pain or colic around the umbilical cord or in the right upper abdomen, paroxysmal or persistent, usually gradually worsening and radiating to the back.

Abdominal bloating

Many women think that bloating is common, so there is no need to make a fuss. However, it may be a symptom of ovarian cancer. Liu Juntian, director of the Cancer Prevention Medicine Center of Tianjin Cancer Hospital, said that persistent bloating, pressure, pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, difficulty eating, or easy feeling of fullness may be signs of ovarian cancer.

Irregular bleeding

Dr. Daly, an American oncologist, said that it is easy for women to ignore abnormal vaginal bleeding and urinary bleeding during the menstrual cycle. They are likely to be the main signs of endometrial cancer, a common gynecological cancer. At least three-thirds of women are found to have endometrial cancer after having this sign. Bleeding during bowel movements may be a sign of colon cancer.