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White or red patches on gums, tongue, or cheek lining
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Sores that don’t heal
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Numbness in the mouth
When to worry: Any patch or sore lasting more than 2 weeks.
15. Unexplained Bruising
What to watch for: Bruises appearing without injury. Bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop.
Common cancers linked: Leukemia, lymphoma.
When to worry: If accompanied by fatigue, fever, or other symptoms.
16. Persistent Itching
What to watch for: Itching without a rash, especially on legs and feet. Itching that gets worse at night.
Common cancers linked: Lymphoma, liver cancer (bile duct obstruction).
When to worry: If accompanied by weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats.
17. Finger Clubbing
What to watch for: Fingertips enlarge and nails curve around them, like an upside-down spoon.
Common cancers linked: Lung cancer.
When to worry: Any change in nail shape—mention it to your doctor.
18. Swollen Lymph Nodes
What to watch for: Lumps in the neck, armpit, or groin that don’t go away.
Common cancers linked: Lymphoma, leukemia, metastatic cancers.
When to worry: If nodes are painless, hard, and don’t shrink over 2-4 weeks.