There are many men who are too busy and reluctant to see a doctor. However, many men do suffer from cancer, and early detection and treatment can save lives. Some cancer symptoms are specific, while others are more general. For example, pain can have many causes, and most of the time it is not cancer. However, this does not mean that you can rule out cancer without seeing a doctor.
Here are 15 symptoms related to male cancer:
Breast lump: While it is rare, men can also develop breast cancer. If you notice a lump in the breast, especially if the skin is sunken or wrinkled, the nipple is inverted or discharging, or if the breast is red or scaly, you should seek medical attention.
Pain: Although most pain is not cancer, if you experience persistent localized pain, you should see a doctor. Even if the doctor determines that it is not cancer, it is still worth getting treated for other conditions.
Testicular changes: Any symptoms related to the testicles should be checked by a doctor. This includes testicular enlargement or shrinkage, presence of a lump, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Testicular tumors can grow rapidly, so early detection is crucial.
Lymph node changes: If you notice lumps or swelling in the armpit, neck, or other areas, you should seek medical attention. Especially if the lymph nodes continue to enlarge for more than a month, it is important to have them checked by a doctor.
Fever: If you have an unexplained fever, it could be a sign of cancer. Of course, most fevers are caused by infections or pneumonia, so it is still important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Some cancers can cause fever at certain stages, such as cancer metastasis or blood cancers like lymphoma or leukemia. Therefore, if you have an unexplained fever, you should consult a doctor.
Weight loss: If you are losing weight significantly without dieting or exercising, and it is more than 10% of your body weight within a short period of time (a few weeks), you should seek medical attention.
Recurrent abdominal pain with depression: If you experience abdominal pain along with symptoms of depression, it is important to get a thorough examination, as it could be related to pancreatic cancer. Other symptoms may include jaundice or changes in stool color, such as grayish stools.
Fatigue: Fatigue is a very common symptom. It is normal for everyone to feel tired after prolonged work or activity. However, if you constantly feel extremely fatigued and resting does not relieve it, you should see a doctor, as it could be related to cancer. Examples include leukemia, certain colon cancers, and stomach cancer.
Persistent cough: Coughing can be caused by colds, flu, allergies, or side effects of medication. However, if you have a persistent cough (lasting three to four weeks or longer), especially if you are a smoker, you should seek medical attention. It could be a symptom of lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, or acid reflux.
Difficulty swallowing: If you experience difficulty swallowing, do not ignore it and assume that consuming more liquid or soup will solve the problem. It could be due to gastrointestinal tumors, such as esophageal cancer, and you should consult a doctor.
Skin changes: While most people are aware that changes in moles on the skin can be a sign of cancer, other skin changes should also be noted. If you experience sudden bleeding or excessive scaling of the skin, you should seek medical attention. It is difficult to determine how long skin changes can be problematic, but generally, if they persist for more than a few weeks, you should pay attention.
Bleeding from unexpected places: Examples include coughing up blood, vomiting blood, gastrointestinal bleeding, or blood in urine. You should see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Do not assume that blood in the stool is caused by hemorrhoids, as it can also be a sign of colorectal cancer.
Oral changes: If you are a smoker, pay special attention to any white patches or spots on the inside of your mouth or on your tongue. These changes could indicate leukoplakia, a precancerous condition that can progress to oral cancer. You should consult a doctor or dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
Urination problems: Many older men experience urinary problems, such as frequent urination, urgency, or incomplete emptying. However, if these symptoms are severe, you should see a urologist to rule out prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Indigestion: Many people, especially the elderly, attribute obvious indigestion to a heart attack. However, persistent indigestion could be caused by esophageal or gastric cancer, and you should see a doctor.
In conclusion, some of the most common symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, and pain, should not be ignored for a long time. Do not assume that you are the "best doctor" and neglect these symptoms. It is always advisable to consult a doctor at a reputable hospital for examination.
