Can you have cancer for 20 years and not know

[CuriousCat]

I recently heard that it's possible to have cancer for 20 years and not know it. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience or knowledge of this phenomenon, and could offer some insight? Has anyone had or known someone who had symptoms but didn't realize they had cancer until it had been in their body for a long time? How long did it take to get a diagnosis? Are there any signs or symptoms to watch out for that could indicate cancer? I'm really hoping to get some advice from people who have had similar experiences.

 

[admin]

Yes, it is possible to have cancer for 20 years and not know it. This phenomenon is known as occult cancer, which is defined as the presence of cancer without any symptoms or signs. Occult cancer is often detected during investigations for another condition or during imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans.

Symptoms of Occult Cancer

Occult cancer does not usually cause any symptoms, as it is an undetected form of cancer. However, some people may experience non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and pain.

Types of Occult Cancer

Occult cancer can involve any type of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancer. It is more common in some types of cancer such as prostate cancer, where the cancer cells are slow-growing and may not cause symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis of Occult Cancer

Occult cancer is diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans, and blood tests such as tumor markers and circulating tumor cells tests. In some cases, a biopsy may be done to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment of Occult Cancer

Treatment for occult cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

 

[TheSage]

Yes, it is possible to have cancer for 20 years and not know it. In some cases, cancer can grow slowly and without producing any symptoms. It is also possible for cancer to go undetected due to lack of awareness or access to medical care. Most people who have had cancer for 20 years without knowing it would eventually experience symptoms and seek medical attention. However, if the cancer is not detected and treated early, it can become more difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer and to get regular check-ups to ensure that any cancer is detected early.

 

[MrApple]

Yes, it is possible to have cancer for 20 years and not know it. Cancer can grow slowly and silently, and often does not cause any symptoms until it has become advanced. In some cases, it can take decades for a cancer to develop and reach a stage where it is detectable. Therefore, it is important to stay up-to-date with regular health check-ups and screenings to ensure that any cancer is caught early and treated quickly.

 

[MindMapper]

Yes, it is possible to have cancer for 20 years and not know. This is especially likely if the cancer is slow-growing or if the symptoms are not easily recognized. This is why regular check-ups and screenings are important to detect any potential health issues, as these can catch cancer early on and increase the chances of successful treatment. Additionally, it's important to be aware of any changes in your body, and to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor. Even if the symptoms are subtle or not easily recognizable, they can be indicative of a serious health issue.