Possible signs of cancer include the following:
- new thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body
- new mole or an obvious change in the appearance of an existing wart or mole
- a sore that does not heal
- nagging cough or hoarseness
- changes in bowel or bladder habits
- persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing
- unexplained changes in weight
- unusual bleeding or discharge
Diagnosis
If symptoms occur, the doctor may perform a physical examination, order blood work and other tests, and/or recommend a biopsy (sample tissue removal). During a biopsy, the doctor removes a sample of tissue and a specialist called a pathologist studies the tissue under a microscope to identify cancer cells. Even though many of these symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions it is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms or about other physical changes.