Lung cancer is one possible cause of a persistent cough. Other cancers affecting the throat or structures around the vocal cords may contribute to a lasting change in the voice.
Warning signs may include:
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A cough that persists for several weeks.
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A cough that becomes progressively worse.
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Blood in the sputum.
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New or worsening shortness of breath.
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Persistent chest discomfort.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Hoarseness that does not improve.
These symptoms do not automatically indicate cancer. Respiratory infections, smoking-related airway disease, asthma, reflux, and other conditions are much more common explanations for many coughs.
Nevertheless, persistent symptoms should not be dismissed simply because they are not painful.
Who should pay particular attention?
People who smoke or have a significant history of tobacco exposure should be especially attentive to new or worsening respiratory symptoms. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked.
Arrange a medical appointment for a persistent or worsening cough or unexplained hoarseness. Coughing up blood requires prompt medical assessment, while severe breathing difficulty or substantial bleeding requires emergency care.
7. Skin Changes or a Sore That Will Not Heal
Your skin can change because of sun exposure, aging, irritation, infection, allergies, or other common conditions.
Yet a new skin lesion, a changing mole, or a sore that repeatedly fails to heal may need professional assessment.
Some skin cancers develop from existing moles, while others appear as new spots or growths. A lesion may be dark, but skin cancer does not always look like a typical dark mole.
When examining a mole, remember the ABCDE warning signs:
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A — Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other.
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B — Border: The edges are irregular, blurred, or uneven.
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C — Color: The lesion has several colors or an unusual color pattern.
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D — Diameter: The spot is larger than expected, although melanomas can also be smaller.
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E — Evolving: The spot changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or other characteristics.
The last point is particularly important. A changing lesion may deserve assessment even if it does not match every other warning sign.
Other changes worth checking include a sore that does not heal, a growth that repeatedly bleeds, a scaly patch that persists, or a spot that becomes itchy, tender, or crusted.
What should you do?
Arrange a medical examination if you notice a new or changing mole, a persistent unexplained skin lesion, or a sore that does not heal as expected.
Photographs taken over time may help you document changes, but they should not replace professional assessment.
Avoid trying to remove suspicious lesions yourself or relying on online photographs to determine whether a spot is harmless.
8. Persistent Bloating, Abdominal Discomfort, or Feeling Full Quickly
Bloating is a common digestive complaint. It may occur after eating certain foods, swallowing air, experiencing constipation, or having a temporary digestive disturbance.
Occasional bloating is usually not a reason for alarm.
However, persistent or frequent abdominal swelling, especially when it is new for you, may deserve further evaluation.
Some cancers affecting the abdomen and reproductive organs can cause symptoms that are initially vague. Ovarian cancer, for example, may be associated with persistent bloating, abdominal or pelvic discomfort, difficulty eating, and feeling full unusually quickly.
Other possible warning signs include:
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A swollen abdomen that does not settle.
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Persistent pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort.
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Reduced appetite.
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Feeling full after eating only a small amount.
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Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently.
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Unexplained changes in bowel habits.
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Unintentional weight loss.
These symptoms have many possible causes, including digestive disorders, hormonal changes, ovarian cysts, and other non-cancerous conditions.
The key consideration is the pattern. Symptoms that occur frequently, continue over time, or represent a clear change from your normal experience deserve attention.
When should you seek medical advice?
Arrange a medical appointment if bloating becomes persistent, repeatedly returns without an obvious explanation, or occurs alongside pelvic pain, early fullness, urinary changes, or unexplained weight loss.
A healthcare professional can determine whether an examination, blood tests, or imaging is appropriate.
Do not assume that persistent abdominal swelling is simply a normal consequence of aging, stress, or eating habits.
9. Difficulty Swallowing or Persistent Mouth Changes
Occasional throat irritation or discomfort while swallowing can occur during a cold or after eating something that irritates the throat.
Persistent swallowing difficulties are different and should be evaluated.
Some conditions affecting the mouth, throat, esophagus, or nearby structures can cause food to feel as though it sticks, swallowing to become painful, or the voice to change.
Possible warning signs include: