How would one tell if they had cancer?
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You'd have to go to a doctor to know for sure, hun.
The symptoms of cancer are a lump or thickening in the breast; a change in a wart or mole; a skin sore or a persistent sore throat that doesn't heal; a change in bowel or bladder habits; a persistent cough or coughing blood; constant indigestion or trouble swallowing; unusual bleeding or vaginal discharge; and chronic fatigue. If you have any of these you should consult a doctor. I hope you dont have cancer, Godspeed.
The onset of cancer usually (but not always) brings about symptoms which vary depending on the type of cancer. Doctors won't refer you to be checked out unless you have some symptoms. There are many types of thyroid cancers, but some general symtpoms are:
- A lump at the base of your neck
- A hoarse voice that does not get better
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing that does not get better
- A lump elsewhere in your neck
Tests involve a needle biopsy (taking some thyroid cells from your beck with a needle) and ultrasound scanning.
Since you're so young and haven't mentioned any symptoms, I wouldn't worry just yet. What I would do though, is to read up on the whole topic of thyroid cancer and watch out for symptoms as you grow older, since cancer usually only appears after middle age. Don't get too paranoid and let it rule your thoughts though.
You might find the link below helpful. Good luck x
Smoking decreases fertility in several ways. It causes infertility, decreased ovarian reserve, reduced egg quality, and lower IVF pregnancy rates.
For my dad he had Ureter cancer (very uncommon cancer) he had blood in his urine that he noticed. He only found out that it came back because he had to have surgery for an unrelated issue. So finding urine in the blood could be a sign. My mom, she went in for a pap smear so there was no sign there. If you find a lump in your breast that could be a sign of breast cancer. Lump in the armpit. Lump in your neck. Or you could just not have any symptoms. Main thing to do is have your routine check ups so that if you do have cancer you catch it early enough. The earlier you catch it the chances of surviving are greater! And having cancer doesn't always mean death sentence.
Cancer is the early stages is asymtomatic, especially in young people. Symptoms often mimic other ailments so it takes a great deal of persistence and a skilled physician to recognize cancer. As the cancer becomes more advanced, such as growing or becoming more visible, crowding out organs, pushing on nerves, and invading tissue it becomes easier to notice and diagnosis. Unfortunately by that time it is already a stage IV and very difficult to treat.
For a young person to spot early cancer about the only thing that you can do is to become totally aware of your own body. Have any suspicious or unexplainable lump or bump checked out, especially if it seens to be growing. Cancer tends to grow quickly (although there are exceptions) so any lump or bump that seems to be growing needs to be examined. Cancer lumps are rarely painful and feel solid and hard. You should also be aware that benign tumors and malignant tumors can look exactly alike so you really need an expert to examine it and take a biopsy if there is any question at all.
Otherwise stay healthy, exercise, eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking not only because of the risk of lung cancer but because if you do have cancer than a smoker has more difficulties with respiratory issues, avoid alcohol too because of the effects it can have on your liver if you should ever get cancer you'll need healthy liver to fight it, avoid excessiveness and concentrate on moderation in diet . . don't overeat the same items, ie fast foods instead maintain a balanced diet with all food groups present.
If you are concerned about thyroid cancer being genetic there are tests that you can take to see if you are at risk. Not all thyroid cancer is genetically based, but the fact that your mother had it does place you at a higher risk than normal. Cancer 'running' in the family however rarely means anything unless it is the same type of cancer.
You can read more about the genetics of thyroid cancer:
http://www.plwc.org/portal/site/plwc/men...
Best to you.
Just know that sometimes, there is no outward signs of cancer. I am proof. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when I was 19. I went in to have one lump checked. They did a sonogram and saw some odd shading. They did a biopsy and determined a lump deeper in my breast was cancer. None of us could feel it. Had I not went and gone checked for the one lump, who knows how long it would have been before we found the other lump. It could have been too late!
If certain cancers run in your family, get screenings. Many time insurances cover these and there are also many state funded programs for low income or people with no insurance so they can get these screenings. Good Luck and happy health!
If you think there is a problem have it checked. Be your own advocate. Go with your instinct. Also, make sure your doctor is painfully aware of your family history and your concerns. If he is aware that the disease is common in your family he may not be as likely to dismiss an issue as "common" or "no big deal" Get a second opinion. My mom went to three different drs. and two different emergency rooms with pain and sickness before the third ER found her cancer. BE DILLIGENT AND AGGRESSIVE. Don't let people dismiss your concerns, make them hear you.
Stop smoking, you fool!
You already have a strong family history, and you are not helping matters.
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