Cancer can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. The type of sign or symptom depends on the size of the cancer, the location of the cancer, how much it is affecting neighboring organs and other body parts, and whether it has spread (metastasized). Many of the signs and symptoms associated with cancer may also be caused by noncancerous conditions.

As cancer grows, it begins to affect nearby organs, blood vessels and nerves. When these areas are compromised, numerous  body parts are pushed or their normal function is compromised, it may create a variety of signs and symptoms. Cancer may also cause generalized or nonspecific signs and symptoms. These may be caused by immune system reactions or by cancer cells releasing substances that alter the body’s metabolism.

General signs and symptoms of cancer include:

• Fatigue. Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by patients diagnosed with cancer. It typically occurs as a patient’s cancer progresses. In some patients, however, it may develop earlier. This commonly occurs with cancers that cause chronic blood loss, including some colon or stomach cancers, or as a side effect of cancer treatments.
  
  
• Unexplained weight changes. Most people with cancer will lose weight at some point. In some patients, an unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) may be the first sign of cancer. It is especially common in patients with stomach cancer, lung cancer, esophagus cancer and pancreatic cancer, although in some cases, the cancer clearly causes decreased food intake. Some cancer patients will also experience unexplained weight gain in response to hormones secreted by tumors in the body.
                                              
• Fever. Fever may be an early sign of some cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although it occurs often in patients with cancer, fever is more common in the advanced stages of the disease. It may develop when cancer or cancer treatment affects the immune system and reduces the body’s resistance to infection. 
                              
  
• Pain. Pain usually develops during the advanced stages of cancer. However, it may occur early in bone cancer or testicular cancer.
  
  
• Skin changes. Skin cancer, as well as other types of cancer can cause a variety of changes in the skin. Common skin changes include:
  
• • Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
  • Erythema (reddening of the skin)
  • Itching
  • Excessive hair growth

Other common signs and symptoms include:

• Changes in bladder or bowel function. Cancer can cause a variety of changes in bladder and bowel function including:
  
• • Chronic constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Change in the size of stool
  • Painful urination
  • More frequent or less frequent urination
    
    
  These changes may indicate colon cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer or a variety of other noncancerous conditions.
  
  

  

• Sores that do not heal. Cancer can cause sores in a variety of areas including the skin, mouth, penis or vagina. Sores in these areas may indicate skin cancer, oral cancer, penile cancer or vulvar cancer among other conditions.
  
  
• Unusual bleeding or discharge. Cancer can cause a variety of bleeding disorders including:
  
• • Blood in the phlegm
  • Blood in the stool
  • Blood in the urine
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Bloody discharge from the nipple
                                             
  Unusual bleeding or discharge can occur in the early or advanced stages of cancer. It can be a sign of lung cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer and a variety of other conditions.
  
  
• Lump or thickening. Many types of cancer can be felt as thickening or a lump through the skin. Often these skin changes are detectable in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes and soft tissues of the body. Patients may benefit from performing monthly breast or testicular self-examinations.
  
  
• Indigestion or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). These symptoms may indicate a variety of conditions, including esophageal cancer, stomach cancer and pharyngeal cancer.
  
  
• Changes in a wart or mole. Certain changes in a wart or mole may indicate melanoma, including a change in color, shape or size. In addition, if the border of a lesion becomes less definite, it may be a sign of cancer. 
  
  
• Persistent cough or hoarseness. These symptoms may indicate a variety of conditions including lung cancer, thyroid cancer and laryngeal cancer.

Early symptoms of cancer, such as fatigue, may be overlooked because they may resemble symptoms of more common illnesses or have an obvious cause. In other cases, the patient may choose to ignore the symptoms because they are frightened. Patients are encouraged to contact their physician when they experience any symptom of cancer. This is particularly important when symptoms have been present for a considerable amount of time, such as weeks, or become worse. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the patient’s chance for successful treatment. Cancer-directed physical examination may also help make a diagnosis earlier but many cancers cause no symptoms in their early stages.