2. Low-Grade Fever That Lingers.
A fever–even a low-grade one–is a sign of infection. When your immune system is fighting off an intruder of any kind, heat is generated and body temperature will rise.
If the fever lasts longer than 3 or 4 days and isn’t accompanied by any other usual symptoms of virus or bacterial infection, it’s wise to see your healthcare provider. Fever can be an early sign of lymphomas and leukemia as well as other serious conditions like urinary tract infection and tuberculosis.
3. Problems with Swallowing.
Any persistent pain or tightness in your mouth or throat may be an indication of early cancer of the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Some symptoms of thyroid disease include tightness of the neck and a hoarse voice as well.
Lip sores that don’t heal, a sore throat that lasts longer than a week or that recurs, and consistent hoarseness of the throat can indicate a problem.
Of course, unexplained bleeding of any kind is cause for alarm–don’t wait to be examined. Regular use of tobacco–whether smoked or chewed–greatly increases your risk for cancers of the mouth and esophagus.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss.
Significant loss of weight without any conscious changes to diet and/or activity level is cause for a visit to your healthcare provider. When the immune system is using a great deal of energy fighting the proliferation of abnormal cells (cancer), you may notice loss of weight.
Often weight loss is accompanied by loss of appetite–you just don’t feel like eating. Put the two together and fat starts to get burned. A rule of thumb for significant (unintentional/unexplained) loss of weight is ten pounds or five percent of your body weight over six to twelve months. Certainly, if there are any other symptoms of something out of the ordinary, do have yourself checked. Diligence and action can save your life.