Silent cancers are cancers that do not have any noticeable early symptoms, and in such cases, patients may have no symptoms of cancer until the advanced stages. The doctor diagnoses silent cancers, usually in their advanced stages. However, in some cases, these cancers are detected during the diagnosis of other conditions. Therefore, high–risk individuals must regularly screen themselves to determine the presence of these cancers at an early stage.
Why Do Silent Cancers Have No Initial Symptoms?
Some may have cancer without symptoms. It is because most of these cancers affect the internal organs. Therefore, the changes in these organs cannot be noticed from the outside. However, it is not that these cancers do not have warning signs at all. Patients do experience silent signs of cancer. However, these silent cancer symptoms are similar to those of other less severe health conditions. It is thus vital to notice the initial symptoms and consult with the doctor.
Top 6 Silent Cancers - Their Signs and Symptoms
OVARIAN CANCER
Ovarian cancer develops when the cells present in the ovarian lining undergo mutations and start dividing abnormally to form a mass. In the early stages, the mass or tumor is localized and confined to the ovaries only. However, as the disease advances, it spreads to nearby lymph nodes and different organs in the body.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Abdominal bloating or swelling
2. Weight loss
3. Fatigue and Back pain
4. Quickly feeling full when eating
5. Discomfort in the pelvic area
6. Bowel changes, such as diarrhea and constipation
7. Vaginal Discharge
8. Frequent urination
9. Menstrual changes
Who Should Pay Extra Attention?
Ovarian cancer is associated with various threat variables, and individuals with these risk aspects fall under the “high-risk” classification. The different threat factors determined for ovarian cancer consist of excessive weight, certain inherited genetic mutations, background of endometriosis, family history of ovarian cancer, early menstrual cycle, late menopause, lack of pregnancy, and hormone replacement therapy.
COLORECTAL CANCER
It is estimated that about 95% of colon cancer arises from adenomatous polyps, which refer to the abnormal non-cancerous growths seen in the colon. However, only 5% of polyps become cancerous. Non-cancerous polyps take about 5-15 years to become cancerous, depending on the individual patient's circumstances.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Changes in bowel habits
2. Blood in the stool
3. Rectal bleeding
4. Weakness and fatigue
5. Unexplained weight loss
6. Abdominal pain
7. Gas and bloating
Who Should Pay Extra Attention?
The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age, and it is often diagnosed after the age of 50. Other risk factors for colon cancer include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, a personal or family history of polyps, certain genetic conditions that are associated with polyp formation, unhealthy diet habits, tobacco and alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes, and radiation exposure. Those with these risk factors should pay extra attention and consider lifestyle modifications and regular health checkups to reduce their colon cancer risk.
CERVICAL CANCER
Cervical cancer takes place when cells present in the cervix begin splitting frantically and form a growth. Chronic HPV infection is the biggest threat factor for cervical cancer cells. When left without treatment, the HPV infection can create DNA damages, which consequently can bring about unusual cell division and lump formation. Chronic inflammation is likewise considered a danger variable for cervical cancer, like lots of various other cancers, as it promotes an atmosphere that makes cervical cells much more at risk to the damaging impacts of HPV.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
2. Bleeding between periods
3. Bleeding after sexual intercourse
4. Unusual vaginal discharge
5. Pelvic pain
6. Pain during sexual intercourse
7. Heavier or longer periods than common
8. Unusual menstrual bleeding
9. Weight reduction and tiredness
Who Should Pay Extra Attention?
One of the most typical threat variables for cervical cancer include chronic HPV infection, an unhealthy diet, smoking, an endangered immune system, and a family history of cervical cancer cells. Individuals with these danger elements must pay extra interest to their health and wellness and select routine testing and wellness checkups.
BREAST CANCER
When the cells existing in the bust cells start splitting abnormally and develop a mass or swelling, it might be described as breast cancer. It is very important to keep in mind that not all lumps discovered in busts are cancerous. Different ways of life and non-lifestyle variables trigger the breast cells to undergo anomalies and increase abnormally.
Signs and Symptoms
1. A swelling in the bust or underarm (underarm)
2. Change in dimension, form, or look of the breast
3. Modifications in breast cancer skin
4. A newly inverted nipple area
5. Unusual nipple discharge.
6. Pain in any type of area of the bust.
Who Should Pay Extra Attention?
Those females who have a family history of breast cancer cells, a personal history of certain cancers like ovarian cancer, anomalies in the genes of BRCA1 and BRCA2, thick bust cells, or have actually been on long-term hormone substitute therapy have a reasonably higher threat of developing breast cancer. These females must pay added interest to their wellness and opt for routine testing for early detection.
PANCREATIC CANCER
Pancreatic cancer cells occur when the cells in the pancreas begin abnormally because of DNA damages. Upon separating frantically, these cells develop a mass, which is referred to as a lump or cancer cells. Various variables, such as direct exposure to damaging health hazards, persistent inflammation, hormonal discrepancy, etc, can trigger DNA damage, which is once more connected with several lifestyle-based and non-lifestyle-based facets.
Signs and Symptoms
1. Abdominal pain
2. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Fatigue and Nausea
6. New-onset diabetes
7. Blood clot
Who Should Pay Extra Attention?
Those with chronic pancreatitis, specific inherited hereditary conditions, obesity, diabetes, smoking and drinking habits, and a family history of pancreatic cancer need to pay added focus to their health, as they have a greater danger of developing pancreatic cancer cells.
LUNG CANCER
When cells in the lungs expand and multiply unusually and create a tumor, it is described as lung cancer. For the most part, lung cancer cells are cancers, i.e., they arise from the cells that line the respiratory tracts of the lungs. Exposure to dangerous carcinogens, which could be as a result of cigarette smoking, long term direct exposure to unsafe chemicals, or having a family history of lung cancer cells, raises the danger of lung cancer development.
Signs and Symptoms
1. A brand-new cough that does not go away
2. Lack of breath
3. Chest Pain
4. Coughing up blood
5. Bone discomfort
6. Hoarseness
7. Dropping weight without trying
Who Should Pay Extra Attention?
Those with a history of smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke and unsafe chemicals, chronic pulmonary diseases, and inadequate way of life routines should pay added attention to their wellness, as they have a higher danger of creating lung cancer cells.
Conclusion:
If cancer goes unnoticed until it is at an advanced stage, treatment becomes more challenging, and the chances of a successful outcome decrease. In advanced stages, the disease also demands a more aggressive treatment regimen, affecting the patient’s quality of life significantly. This highlights the importance of being aware of cancer symptoms and having regular health checkups.
DR. M G GIRIYAPPAGOUDAR
DMRT, MDRT (CMC Vellore, TN)
Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Hubli