Some cancers can produce solid masses as abnormal cells grow and accumulate in tissues.
For example, breast cancer may present as a new lump in the breast or underarm area. Lymphoma may cause enlarged lymph nodes, commonly in the neck, armpits, or groin.
However, many lumps are caused by noncancerous conditions.
These include:
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Cysts.
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Lipomas, which are usually benign fatty growths.
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Enlarged lymph nodes due to infection.
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Skin inflammation.
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Benign breast changes.
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Other noncancerous growths.
The characteristics of a lump can vary. Some are soft, while others feel firm. Some move beneath the skin, while others appear fixed.
These characteristics alone cannot reliably determine whether a lump is cancerous.
Pay particular attention if a lump is new, continues growing, persists, or is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
For women and men, a new breast lump, nipple changes, skin dimpling, or unusual nipple discharge should be evaluated.
For lumps in the neck or other areas, a healthcare professional can determine whether examination, imaging, blood tests, or a biopsy is appropriate.
Avoid repeatedly squeezing or pressing a lump. The most useful next step is to have it properly assessed.
4. Changes in Bowel Habits or Urination
Changes in your bathroom habits can sometimes provide important clues about your health.
Everyone experiences occasional constipation, diarrhea, or changes in urination.
A temporary digestive problem may occur after eating unfamiliar food, experiencing stress, taking medication, or developing an infection.
However, persistent changes without a clear explanation deserve attention.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Possible warning signs include:
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Diarrhea that continues for an extended period.
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Persistent constipation.
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A noticeable change in stool consistency.
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More frequent bowel movements than usual.
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A feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied.
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Persistent abdominal discomfort.
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Blood in the stool.
Some colorectal cancers can affect the passage of stool through the bowel, leading to changes in bowel habits.
However, similar symptoms may occur with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, infections, and dietary problems.
Changes in Urination
Changes in urination may also require investigation.
Possible symptoms include:
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Blood in the urine.
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Frequent urination without an obvious explanation.
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Difficulty starting urination.
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A weak urine stream.
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Pain or burning during urination.
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A persistent feeling that the bladder is not empty.
Bladder and kidney cancers may cause blood in the urine, sometimes without pain.
However, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Visible blood in the urine should always be medically evaluated, even if it occurs only once or disappears.
Persistent changes in bowel or bladder habits should not be dismissed as ordinary digestive or urinary problems.
5. Unusual Bleeding or Blood in Bodily Fluids
Unexplained bleeding is another important warning sign.
The meaning depends on where the bleeding occurs, how much blood is present, and whether it happens repeatedly.
Certain cancers can damage blood vessels, affect the lining of organs, or cause abnormal tissue growth that leads to bleeding.
Examples include:
Blood in the stool: This may appear bright red or make stools look unusually dark and tar-like. Possible causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ulcers, and colorectal conditions, including cancer.
Blood in the urine: This may appear pink, red, or brown. It can be associated with bladder or kidney conditions, including cancer.
Coughing up blood: Blood-streaked mucus or coughing up blood may occur with respiratory infections, lung disease, or lung cancer. It requires prompt medical assessment.
Unusual vaginal bleeding: Bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause should be evaluated. Cervical and endometrial cancers are among the possible causes, although many noncancerous conditions can also cause abnormal bleeding.
Unusual nipple discharge: Spontaneous discharge, particularly if bloody or coming from one breast, should be assessed.
Unexpected bruising or bleeding: Certain blood cancers can interfere with normal blood cell production, potentially causing easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or bleeding gums.
Not every episode of bleeding indicates cancer. Nevertheless, unexplained bleeding should never be ignored simply because it stops.
The source of the bleeding needs to be identified.
6. A Persistent Cough, Hoarseness, or Changes in Your Voice
A cough is usually associated with common respiratory conditions.
Colds, flu, allergies, asthma, acid reflux, and environmental irritants can all cause coughing.
Most short-term coughs improve as the underlying condition resolves.
However, a cough that persists for several weeks, becomes progressively worse, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms deserves medical attention.
Lung cancer can sometimes cause a persistent cough or a noticeable change in an existing cough.
Other possible symptoms include:
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Chest discomfort.
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Shortness of breath.
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Coughing up blood.
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Repeated chest infections.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Persistent fatigue.
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Hoarseness.
Hoarseness can also occur when conditions affect the vocal cords or the nerves that control them.
Cancers involving the larynx or nearby structures may cause changes in the voice that do not improve.