Advanced-Stage Can.cer May Show 4 Unusual Warning Signs — Seek Medical Care as Early as Possible

Cancer is a disease with rising incidence and mortality rates. If the following four signs persist, they may be a warning that cancer has entered an advanced stage.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 (Global Cancer Observatory), there were approximately 19.9 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths worldwide. In Vietnam alone, there are about 180,400 new cases and more than 120,000 deaths each year. The total number of people living with cancer over the past five years is estimated at more than 409,000.

Persistent cough

A cough is not only a warning symptom of illness but also a natural mechanism that helps the respiratory tract clear itself.

Under normal circumstances, a cough gradually improves and resolves with appropriate treatment. However, if a cough persists, especially a dry cough accompanied by blood in the sputum and other symptoms that do not improve despite medication, it should never be ignored. This may be a sign of lung cancer.

People who have smoked for many years, are frequently exposed to chemicals, or have chronic lung diseases should seek early screening for lung cancer if they experience a prolonged cough.

Yellowing or cloudiness of the eyes

Normally, the whites of healthy eyes are clear and white. Over time, they may become slightly cloudy or darker. However, if the eyes suddenly turn yellow and the skin also begins to yellow, this may indicate liver-related conditions such as viral hepatitis or cirrhosis.

In addition, changes in eye color may be associated with impaired function of the gallbladder or pancreas. In fact, many pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed only after developing jaundice.

Abdominal swelling

If your diet has not changed but your abdomen becomes noticeably enlarged or distended, it may be a sign of ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity).

Clinically, when cancer cells spread, patients may develop ascites, which is often seen in advanced-stage cancers such as liver, pancreatic, and stomach cancer. However, ascites is not exclusive to cancer and can also occur in other conditions, including liver or kidney failure and cirrhosis.

Unusual lumps or swollen lymph nodes

When cancer cells begin to metastasize through the lymphatic system, lymph nodes may swell and form lumps.

According to experts, painless swollen lymph nodes in areas such as the neck or armpits may indicate cancer metastasis or lymphoma.

If any of these signs persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical evaluation promptly for timely diagnosis and treatment.