Symptom 6: Unexplained Weight Loss
Body weight, in many ways, is a reflection of the balance between calorie intake and expenditure. Fluctuations are natural – after festive feasts or rigorous workout regimes. However, when pounds start dropping without an apparent reason, it’s an anomaly that warrants attention. Unexplained weight loss is often an insidious sign, lurking in the background, easy to miss amidst life’s hustle.
Now, link this mysterious weight shedding to SCC. Cancer, by its very nature, is voracious. As it grows and spreads, it demands more energy, pulling from the body’s reserves. This increases calorie expenditure even when one’s dietary habits remain unchanged. Additionally, tumors might release substances that alter the body’s metabolism, further pushing the scales downward.
But it doesn’t stop at metabolism. SCC, especially advanced stages, can interfere with appetite. One might feel full sooner or lose interest in food altogether. This reduced intake, coupled with increased metabolic demands, creates a vicious cycle, leading to substantial weight loss. It’s a silent yet profound scream from the body, signaling that all is not well.
Digging deeper, it’s not just the weight loss but the accompanying symptoms that paint the picture. Fatigue, weakness, and a general sense of malaise often walk hand-in-hand with this weight loss. If these symptoms manifest alongside others like persistent cough or chest pain, the canvas becomes clearer, possibly revealing the shadow of SCC. (6)
