These signs of cancer often seem harmless and therefore many patients do not take them seriously enough. German doctors called these symptoms on the Focus Online portal.
Experts say cancer symptoms are "extremely diverse". Many people do not take warning signs seriously, while these signals can help identify cancer at a stage where treatment can help save lives.
Cough. In most cases, patients associate the cough with a cold or allergies and do not express much concern, says Theresa Bartholomew, a specialist at the Cancer Prevention Center.
“Generally, a cough does not mean cancer. But a persistent cough should be investigated to rule out lung cancer, says Theresa Bartholomew of the Cancer Prevention Center.
According to the expert, a cough or hoarseness that does not go away for more than two weeks and also does not go away after taking medicine is a serious reason to see a doctor.
Stomach acids. They can occur for many reasons: for example, due to strong stress, too fatty and sweet foods. If heartburn occurs only occasionally, then there is no cause for concern.
In other cases, it is worth remembering that heartburn can be a sign of cancer of the throat and esophagus.
Itchy skin. German experts note that the danger posed by age spots and birthmarks on the skin is often underestimated. Meanwhile, the spots can develop into malignant melanoma.
Symptoms of this process: itching or burning. If a person notices such symptoms, he should definitely visit a dermatologist.
Blood in the stool. The appearance of blood in the stool can have many causes, and most of them are harmless (the main ones are hemorrhoids or minor tears in the mucous membrane).
But at the age of 50, any episode of blood in the stool should prompt a person to make an appointment with the doctor, experts advise.
Swollen lymph nodes. Enlarged lymph nodes that do not hurt are a possible sign of lymph node cancer. This assumption may be true if this painless swelling lasts for a long time and does not decrease. Medical examination in this situation should be mandatory.
