While many people believe they are well-informed about cancer, a doctor has revealed there is still a common symptom that often goes unnoticed.
The medical expert, known as MrDr_HQ on TikTok, recently highlighted a symptom that typically manifests at night and is frequently overlooked. In a candid video, he emphasised the importance of recognising this sign, which may not be commonly associated with cancer.
However, it could indicate an underlying health issue if it becomes frequent. This is why he urged people to keep an eye on it.
He explained: “Night sweats is a very, very important symptom that seems to be overlooked by people. The reason it’s so important is it can be caused by a wide variety of things that can be sinister or dangerous.”
The doctor went on to say: “The first one being blood cancers, or any malignancies of any type, so any type of cancer can give you night sweats. Additionally, it can be caused by serious infections like TB.
“It also can be caused by inflammatory diseases such as lupus or vasculitis, so those inflammatory conditions will result in night sweats. It can also mean that you have irregularities in your hormones like thyroid, so people with high thyroid will have night sweats.
“So, if you have night sweats, make sure you speak to your doctor about it, and ensure you get bloods done to check for any abnormalities.”
Since the video was posted, it has racked up hundreds of views and people were quick to respond with comments. One person remarked: “Menopause also causes night sweats.”
Another questioned: “Would a normal blood test pick these things up?” Meanwhile, a third shared their personal experience, writing: “I have POTS and have had night sweats for five months. Is this related?”
The link between night sweats and cancer
Night sweats can sometimes signal certain cancers such as carcinoid tumors, leukemia and lymphoma. Often, if cancer is behind night sweats, other symptoms like fever or unanticipated weight loss might be present too.
Other forms of cancer, like those affecting the bones or liver, could also cause night sweats, albeit less frequently. The exact reasons of why some cancers provoke episodes of night sweating aren’t completely understood, potentially involving the body’s endeavour to combat the illness or hormonal shifts that come with the disease.
If cancer is causing a fever, your body might compensate by sweating heavily to reduce its temperature. It’s essential, however, to recognize night sweats can stem from various causes, and don’t exclusively point to cancer.
Occasional instances might not be concerning but, if night sweats occur regularly or cause distress, it’s advisable to consult a GP for further investigation.