AskDocDoc
/
/
/
hidden cancer symptoms
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Cancer Care
Question #14509
5 days ago
16

hidden cancer symptoms - #14509

Rashi

I am really freaked out lately and not sure what to do. Like, a month ago I started feeling these weird things like fatigue and a little weight loss, but didn’t think much of it. Then, outta nowhere, my back started hurting in a way that's different from how I usually feel. My mom passed away due to cancer a few years back and now I keep thinking, what if these are hidden cancer symptoms?? I saw my doc, and he seemed unconcerned, but I can’t shake the feeling that there's something more going on. Blood tests all came back fine, but they didn’t do any scans or anything. Is it common for hidden cancer symptoms not to show up in tests right away? I'm worried because I've been googling stuff and found lists of hidden cancer symptoms, like night sweats and changes in appetite, and I have had some of those too, just didn’t connect the dots. Could this just be me overthinking things? Or should I push for more tests? It's hard to focus on day-to-day stuff when I’m anxiously wondering if these hidden cancer symptoms are actually a problem. Any advice really would help!

FREE
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

While it’s understandable to feel concern given your family history, it’s important to approach this situation with a balanced perspective. Fatigue, weight loss, back pain, night sweats, and appetite changes can be symptoms of many health conditions, not just cancer. Your blood tests coming back normal is reassuring, but it’s also true that not all cancers show up in initial blood work. When it comes to hidden symptoms, early-stage cancers can sometimes be elusive to detect and might require more specific imaging or tests to correctly identify. However, many of these symptoms can be attributed to less serious conditions as well. Stress, for example, can significantly affect appetite and sleep patterns—leading to fatigue and weight loss—and back pain is often linked to musculoskeletal issues. Given your concerns, it’s reasonable to have a follow-up discussion with your doctor, focusing specifically on whether further imaging like an ultrasound, CT, or MRI might be warranted in your case, especially if you’re experiencing persistent and unexplained symptoms. In the meantime, while awaiting further medical assessment and considering you mentioned anxiety impacting daily life, try engaging in stress-reducing activities like mindfulness or gentle physical exercise, which can sometimes alleviate minor musculoskeletal pain. Monitor your symptoms to see if there’s any progression or new symptoms arise. If at any point you notice rapid or unexplained changes in health, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as timely intervention can be critical in managing serious health issues. Stay informed, but beware of over-reliance on internet searches as they can often lead to unnecessary worry rather than clarity.

4883 answered questions
65% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions