A wound or sore that repeatedly fails to heal can have several causes.

Persistent sores on the skin or inside the mouth should be evaluated, particularly if they bleed, become painful, develop a hard edge, or continue for an unusually long time.

People who smoke or use tobacco should pay particular attention to persistent mouth sores.

15. Persistent Fever Without a Clear Cause

Fever is commonly caused by infections, but unexplained or recurring fever can sometimes accompany certain cancers.

A fever that persists or repeatedly returns without an obvious explanation should be evaluated rather than treated as proof of cancer.

16. Night Sweats

Occasional sweating at night can happen because of warm temperatures, heavy bedding, hormonal changes, medications, infections, or other causes.

However, recurrent, unexplained, drenching night sweats, particularly when combined with fever, unexplained weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes, deserve medical attention.

17. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes often become enlarged when the immune system is fighting an infection.

Most swollen lymph nodes are not cancerous.

However, a lymph node that remains enlarged, continues growing, feels unusually firm, or appears without an obvious infection should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

18. Persistent Itching or Skin Changes

Unexplained persistent itching can occur for many reasons, including allergies, dry skin, medications, liver problems, kidney problems, and skin disorders.

In some situations, persistent itching can occur alongside certain cancers, but it is not a specific sign of cancer.

New or unexplained skin changes that persist should be assessed rather than self-diagnosed.

19. Unexplained Pain That Persists

Pain is extremely common and usually has an identifiable cause.

However, persistent pain without a clear explanation—especially pain that progressively worsens, repeatedly returns, or occurs together with other concerning symptoms—should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

The location and nature of the pain can provide important clues.

20. Unexplained Changes in the Breast or Other Body Areas

Changes in the breast can include:

• A new lump
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Skin dimpling
• Nipple changes
• Unexplained nipple discharge
• Persistent localized changes

Not every breast change is cancer. Many are caused by benign conditions or hormonal changes. Nevertheless, a new or unusual change should be examined.

Similar principles apply to persistent or unexplained changes elsewhere in the body.

What These Symptoms Really Mean

Having one of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer.

In fact, many of these signs are much more commonly caused by conditions that are not cancer.

For example, fatigue can result from poor sleep or anemia, weight loss can result from dietary changes or digestive problems, and swollen lymph nodes commonly occur during infections.

The important factors are persistence, progression, severity, and whether several unusual symptoms occur together.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you notice a symptom that:

• Does not go away
• Keeps returning
• Gradually becomes worse
• Has no obvious explanation
• Is significantly different from your normal health
• Occurs together with unexplained weight loss, bleeding, persistent pain, or another concerning change

Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking medical advice.

Don’t Rely on Symptoms Alone

Some cancers cause noticeable symptoms early, while others may cause very few symptoms until they have progressed.

That is why appropriate cancer screening is important for people who meet screening recommendations based on factors such as age, sex, family history, and personal risk.

Screening is different from testing a symptom. Screening is performed in people who may have no symptoms at all.

What Happens If Your Doctor Is Concerned?

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare professional may perform a physical examination and recommend additional testing.

This could include blood tests, imaging studies, endoscopy, or other investigations.

Importantly, an abnormal test result does not automatically mean cancer. Further evaluation is often necessary to determine the actual cause.

If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may sometimes be required to establish a diagnosis.

The Bottom Line

Your body can sometimes signal that something needs attention through persistent or unexplained changes.

Unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, persistent fatigue, new lumps, changes in bowel or bladder habits, chronic cough, swallowing difficulties, changing moles, persistent sores, unexplained fever, and other unusual symptoms should not simply be ignored.

But these symptoms are not proof of cancer. Most have multiple possible causes, many of which are treatable and non-cancerous.

The safest approach is simple: know what is normal for your body, pay attention to changes that persist, and seek professional medical advice when something doesn’t seem right.

Early evaluation can provide reassurance when the cause is harmless and can help identify serious conditions sooner when further treatment is needed.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not diagnose cancer or replace professional medical advice. If you have a new, persistent, or concerning symptom, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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