3 Ways to Recognize Signs of a Tumor

1. Note Unexplained Aches and Pains

Tumors put pressure on the surrounding healthy tissues in the region of the body where they're growing. While tumors near the surface of the skin can be detected by touch, the only clue that you have a deeply embedded internal tumor may be aches and pains in the region of the body where it is located. The degree of discomfort strongly depends on the size and location of the tumor, with larger growths causing increased pain. However, tumors can be difficult to diagnose, as even large, malignant growths sometime cause no physical symptoms at all.

2. Watch for Area Specific Symptoms

In addition to pain, tumors can cause secondary symptoms because they interfere with the proper functioning of the affected region of the body. If you have a lung tumor, for example, you might experience breathing difficulties in addition to chest pain. Tumors in the intestines and colon might inject blood into your feces and cause constipation or diarrhea. Growths in the brain region are often first recognized through decreases in cognitive ability as well as chronic migraine headaches.

3. Physiological Signs of Tumor Growth

If you recognize any sudden, unexplained physiological changes in your body, these could be tertiary signs of tumor growth. Many people with tumors report a loss of appetite, which is usually accompanied by a sharp weight loss. While these two symptoms go hand in hand, one may be present without the other. In fact, an unexplained loss of weight is an early warning sign of many forms of cancer.

Other physical signs and symptoms of tumor growth include constant fatigue, general malaise and the development of fever symptoms, including chills and night sweats. If you experience any of these warning signs, you should discuss them with a doctor as soon as possible, regardless of your age, sex or overall health.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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