0One can never prepare for cancer, it happens to even individuals with reasonably healthy lifestyle. Routine medical checkups and early detection is the key to successful treatment in most of the cancer cases. Diseases are treated as they reveal themselves in the form of symptoms; there are times when there are no noticeable symptoms, the disease catches and grows in stealth while the victim is completely unaware and unprepared to the misery that awaits.
Cancer can be asymptomatic too!
Though different forms of cancer have different symptoms, there are a few which can stay undetected in our body for quite a long time. So, many cancers can be asymptomatic during the early stage. As per healthline.com, “some cancers can form and grow undetected for 10 years or more, as one study found, making diagnosis and treatment that much more difficult.” Asymptomatic forms of cancer can get diagnosed with the help of regular and periodic screening tests. However, since the symptoms are not prominent, one might not know when the screening tests are to be done, so it’s always a good practice to screen every six months.
This article will explore the form of cancers that show little or no early symptoms.
Testicular Cancer
This form of cancer can go unnoticed without a routine self-exam. Any change in the testicles, any lump or heaviness in the scrotum should be brought to the notice of your physician. With some physical examination (see here) and some screening tests, this can get diagnosed. The sooner it is diagnosed, the better chances of a successful treatment.
Pancreatic Cancer
You’ll never know when this cancer hits you, there is no pain, no clear sign that you forewarn you. Some may experience loss in appetite, weight loss and change in the color of the urine. Most, don’t feel a thing.
Cervical Cancer
Symptoms for cervical cancer may include irregular periods, white discharge with a foul smell, bleeding or spotting between the periods and low back pain; however, nothing that will signal one of an impending cancer. An annual Pap smear may help in early detection and mitigate the risks.
Ovarian Cancer
Ostensibly, this type of cancer also has no symptoms and as it is one of the most rapidly spreading cancer where early detection is essential. If spread to the stomach or pelvis, the case may become more complicated to treat. Some of the late-stage symptoms could be loss of weight and appetite. “Tests that may be used to diagnose ovarian cancer include a complete blood count, a cancer antigen test, and other germ cell tumor tests.” as quoted by healthline.com.
Lung Cancer
The symptoms for this form of cancer are coughing with pain and discomfort, wheezing and loss of weight; however, these symptoms are not detected until cancer reaches an advanced stage. Lung cancer is more prevalent in smokers, so even a prolonged cough should be consulted with the physician for early detection.
Skin Cancer
There are different kinds of skin cancers and the typical symptoms include abnormal growth or scaly growth of skin cells often at exposed areas like the nose, forehead, lips, ear or hands. As the initial symptoms are not very specific, the timely consultation with a dermatologist will help in getting the right treatment.
You may not know everything about the disease but your body will give you signals time and again, tis best to listen to the signs and act as early as possible, a false alarm is better than a chronic illness.