Cancer symptoms men should not ignore are quite commonly overlooked by men who experience them. Many men need to be pushed to go to the doctor. Early detection is very important for keeping certain cancers from spreading, so if you find that you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, it might be time to make that doctor appointment. At least get it checked out, and if it is nothing, then at least you have peace of mind.
Testicular changes
Testicular cancer usually affects younger men between 20 and 39 years old. Nevertheless, just like women should check their breasts monthly for changes, lumps, and bumps, so should you check your testicles. Any growth or shrinkage should cause concern. Do not ignore any lump, swelling, or feeling of heaviness. A hard lump should be checked right away. Some types of testicular cancer can grow very quickly, so testicular changes are cancer symptoms men should not ignore.
Unexplained weight loss
Who doesn’t enjoy easy weight loss? Unfortunately most people don’t just lose weight for no reason. If you lose more than 10% of your body weight over about three to six months without trying, you should go to the doctor and get a checkup. You doctor may run some tests to rule out cancer.
Fatigue
Fatigue is very common in men. It could be one of the symptoms of low T, something else, or it could indicate cancer. Fatigue is an early symptom of leukemia, stomach cancer, or colon cancer. It is also could indicate a cancer that has already grown. If rest does not help your extreme tiredness, get it checked out to determine the cause.
Depression with abdominal pain
If you are feeling depressed and have a gnawing pain in your abdomen, it is time to schedule a checkup. There is a link between pancreatic cancer and depression. Other signs of pancreatic cancer include darkening of urine, jaundice, itching, and gray or changed stool color. Your doctor should order laboratory tests and an ultrasound or CAT scan to rule out pancreatic cancer.
Difficulty swallowing
A difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of cancer of the esophagus or throat. Men should be aware that HVP in men may lead to throat cancer. Report this symptom to your doctor so he or she can take your medical history and run appropriate tests or send you to a GI specialist.
Indigestion could be another symptom of esophageal cancer. Besides trouble swallowing, signs of throat cancer include a sore throat that does not go away, cough, weight loss, change in voice, and other pains.
Skin changes
Be alert to any skin changes such as bleeding or excessive scaling. If you have these or any changes in pigmentation or changes to a mole, see a dermatologist to find out what is causing the changes. It may be skin cancer. Your doctor may perform a biopsy to check for cancer. It is a good idea to get your skin checked every year by a dermatologist, especially if you have a history of skin cancer. Make sure to have your scalp checked as well.
Other changes you should note
The following changes should also warrant a doctor visit. These could be cancer symptoms men experience and should not be ignored.
- Urinary changes
- White patches in your mouth or spots on your tongue
- Spitting up blood
- Blood in urine
- Blood in stool
- Prolonged cough lasting three to four weeks
- Changes in lymph nodes
- Unexplained fever
- Unexplained pain
- Mass in the breast area
Many of these cancer symptoms are vague, while others are pretty specific. Whether they alert you to cancer or maybe some other more benign condition in the body, they are worth getting checked out. In most cases the earlier you determine the cause, the easier it will be to treat it and prevent it from becoming a life-threatening condition.