title: Diagnosing cancer in the symptomatic patient.
abstract: Finding cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage gives patients the greatest chance of survival. For a number of cancers, screening tests allow for early detection and treatment, and thereby, reduce cancer-related mortality. However, many cancers are discovered by symptomatic presentation rather than screening. This article addresses several symptoms commonly reported in the primary care setting, including rectal bleeding, a breast lump, cough, lymphadenopathy, and weight loss, and offers an evidence-based approach to the consideration and possibly the diagnosis of cancer.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. brooke.salzman@jefferson.edu
authors.forename: Brooke E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Salzman
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lamb
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Olszewski
authors.forename: Amber
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tully
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Studdiford
mesh_terms: D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States