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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > C > Cancer

Cancer    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Carcinoma; Malignant tumor

Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath or chest pain while cancer of the colon often causes weight loss, diarrhea, constipation and blood in the stool. Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all. However, the following symptoms are common with most cancers:

  • fevers
  • chills
  • night sweats
  • weight loss
  • loss of appetite
  • fatigue
  • malaise

Signs and Tests

Like symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Most cancer is diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer undergo CT scans to determine the exact location of the tumor or tumors.

Common tests include:

  • CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
  • Complete blood count
  • Blood chemistries
  • Biopsy of the tumor
  • Bone marrow biopsy (for lymphoma or leukemia)
  • Chest X-ray

Ency. home > Disease > C > Cancer

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