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Which symptoms may lead doctors to test a person for cancer?
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cancer
View through an endoscope of a polyp, a benign precancerous growth projecting from the inner lining of the colon.
The diagnosis of cancer often begins when a physician evaluates specific, persistent symptoms. While symptoms vary depending on the type and location of a potential tumor, common indicators that may lead to a diagnostic workup include:
- Unusual bleeding or discharge1
- A persistent cough1
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits1
- A persistent lump or mass1
- A sore that does not heal1
- Indigestion or difficulty swallowing1
- Changes in the appearance of a mole or wart1
- Unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain2
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)2
Upon identifying these symptoms, a physician typically performs a clinical history and physical examination to determine if a growth is benign or malignant. Diagnostic procedures may include laboratory tests, such as a blood count or urinalysis, and imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. In some cases, an endoscope is used to inspect internal cavities and obtain a biopsy for further evaluation.1