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Introduction to the Oncology Care Unit

- Symptoms Based on the Type of Tumor

There are more than 200 different types of cancer, many of which share similar early symptoms. However, there are specific symptoms that are more indicative of particular types of cancer. Here are some symptoms linked to specific types of cancer:

Breast Cancer Symptoms:

  • Feeling a lump in the breast or underarm area.
  • Changes in the skin of the nipple or breast, such as wrinkling, peeling, or redness.
  • Discharge from the nipple.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms:

  • Painful urination or difficulty urinating.
  • Incontinence.
  • Presence of blood in urine or semen.
  • Pain during ejaculation.
  • Erectile dysfunction.

Skin Cancer Symptoms:

  • Peeling in a specific area of the skin.
  • Changes in a mole, such as color, shape, size, or irregular edges, or noticing discharge or bleeding from the mole.
  • Appearance of a flesh-colored lump.
  • Difficulty or failure of a wound to heal.

Lung Cancer Symptoms:

  • Persistent cough lasting for a long time without an infection, cold, or allergy to explain it.
  • Sometimes accompanied by a few drops of blood.
  • Shortness of breath, and frequent feelings of it unusually.
  • Voice changes or hoarseness without reason.
  • Noticeable blood in sputum.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Symptoms:

Cancers can affect various parts of the digestive system, including:

  • Esophagus Cancer: Difficulty swallowing, especially solid or non-liquid foods like bread or meat, unexplained weight loss, coughing, and hoarseness.
  • Stomach Cancer: Loss of appetite, blood in stools, feeling full quickly after eating small amounts, nausea, and occasional vomiting with blood.
  • Colon and Rectum Cancer: Blood in stools, feeling of fullness or bloating, abdominal pain and cramping, and unexplained weight loss.

Female Reproductive System Cancer Symptoms (e.g., Uterine, Cervical, and Vaginal Cancer):

  • Vaginal bleeding.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Difficulty urinating.
  • Changes in appetite for a prolonged period.

Male Reproductive System Cancer Symptoms (e.g., Testicular, Prostate, and Penile Cancer):

  • Lumps or swelling in the testes or penis.
  • Pain during ejaculation or urination.
  • Difficulty urinating.
  • Prostate enlargement.
  • Pain in the scrotum, groin, or lower back.
  • Presence of blood in urine or semen.