hematology and oncology
Cancer Diagnosis
History
Physicians must be aware of predisposing factors and must specifically ask about familial cancers, environmental exposures (including smoking history), and prior or present illnesses (eg, autoimmune disorders, previous immune-suppressing therapy, hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, HIV infection, abnormal Papanicolaou test, human papillomavirus infection). Symptoms suggesting occult cancer can include Fatigue Weight loss Fevers Night sweats Cough Hemoptysis Hematemesis Hematochezia Change in bowel habits Persistent pain Other symptoms may be present depending on the site of cancer (eg, hoarseness in laryngeal cancer or abnormal vaginal bleeding in uterine cancer). 