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Possible cancer or Diabetes?


Sent to Health Experts August 15, 2005 2:30 a.m.

48 year old male with persistent cough of 3 months, insatiable thirst, weight loss of 28 pounds in 6 weeks, my vision is getting worse since my last eye doc appointment in March 05
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $5   
Answer
August 15, 2005 2:32 a.m. (1 minute and 43 seconds later)
REPLIED Check Mark

Hi

It could be both. Without a thorough in person examination and testing, it's hard to say what it is. It may not be either. Try to not get too alarmed until you can get checked by a doctor.

Hope that helps, and I wish you the very best.

Kerry



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Kerry, RN
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Reply to Kerry
Sent August 15, 2005 2:48 a.m. (16 minutes and 38 seconds later)

what kind of answer is that? Is there anything else it could be or just possibly both? I was a smoker for 35 years and just stopped 1 1/2 years ago. I have had a cough now for over 3 months. Since the end of June I have lost almost 30 pounds and I am not dieting. My thirst is insatiable. I am drinking so much water, tea, OJ etc all the time and I always feel very thirsty ( this has started within the last month)
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 15, 2005 2:58 a.m. (10 minutes and 14 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Hi

I'm sorry I couldn't tell you more.

Yes, you are at risk of cancer and your symptoms point in that direction except for the thirst.

The symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • a chronic cough.

  • worsening breathlessness.

  • weight loss.

  • excessive fatigue.

  • persistent pain in the chest or elsewhere, (possibly from the cancer spreading to a bone).

  • symptoms can be due to the original tumour in the lung or to the effects of secondary tumours elsewhere in the body.

  • one of the most significant symptoms of lung cancer is coughing up blood or haemoptysis. This can sometimes occur as an early warning sign of a cancer which may still be curable. Any person who coughs up blood should see their GP for advice urgently as lung cancer must be considered, particularly if the person is a smoker over the age of 40.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/lungcancer.htm

The excessive thirst points at diabetes as one possibility.

Some diabetes symptoms include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Extreme hunger
  • Unusual weight loss
  • Increased fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurry vision

If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor right away. You can also take our Online Diabetes Risk Test to find out if you are at risk for diabetes.
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-symptoms.jsp

Without a complete physical examination, that's all I can tell you.

Again, I wish you the best.

Kerry



__________________
Kerry, RN
Please click the accept button if this has helped you. A bonus is always appreciated as well.
PictureKerry  -- Nurse (RN) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 3861 Health Accepts
35 years in Nursing: OB/GYN, Peds, Oncology, hospice, Ortho, Neuro, Addiction, Recovery, Geriatrics

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