The most overlooked signs of cancer in senior men

February 3, 2012 at 8:18 a.m.


When it comes to cancer recovery, quick diagnosis is everything. Even the worst type of cancer can be potentially cured if caught early. Unfortunately, many common cancer symptoms are overlooked until it is too late. This is especially true with men, who tend to be less comfortable with watching for the signs of cancer. The following are commonly overlooked signs of cancer in men:

Pain

Aches and pains are common symptoms of old age, but they also happen to be common signs of cancer in men. Since persistent pain is a typical sign of cancer in senior men, it is important for anyone experiencing long-term pains to get checked out by a physician as soon as possible. The physician will ask question's about health history and provide a quick examination before deciding whether further testing is necessary. Even if cancer fails to show up, the examination will provide some valuable peace of mind.

Constant Stomachaches

Every year, an unfortunate number of men are diagnosed with colon cancer. Upon diagnosis, these men often realize that they have been ignoring rather obvious signs of colon cancer for months, over even years. Although one or two stomachaches may only point to a 24-hour bug, constant stomachaches indicate a more serious problem. A patient complaining of persistent stomachaches may ask his physician for an ultrasound. During the ultrasound, the doctor will look for unusual masses in the digestive tract.

Shortness of Breath

Finding it difficult to get up the stairs without wheezing and coughing for ten minutes afterwards? The problem could very well be lung cancer. Men often chalk up shortness of breath as a problem stemming for poor physical fitness, but this is not always the case. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of lung cancer, which is why those suffering from unexplained wheezing need to visit the doctor for a checkup. Shortness of breath may also be a sign of testicular cancer, especially if it is combined with coughing and spitting up blood.

Lymph Node Lumps

Cancer in the lymph nodes is a particularly urgent concern, as it can spread all over the body and lead to more severe types of cancer. It is important to regularly check lymph nodes on the neck and under the armpit for unusual swelling. A discovery of lumps in the lymph nodes should be immediately followed by a visit to the doctor. If caught early, the lymph nodes can quickly be removed, thus preventing the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.

Difficulty Swallowing

Swallowing is another one of those overlooked signs of cancer that men are rarely concerned about. Often, men diagnosed with esophageal cancer later realize that they've been struggling with swallowing for a long time. Prior to diagnosis, seniors may simply respond to difficulty swallowing by switching over to a more liquid-based diet. Swallowing issues may indicate cancer of the esophagus. A chest X-ray and a barium test may be necessary to determine if this is the case.

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