What Type of Cancer Causes Weight Loss?
March 30, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Weight loss can be a symptom of various types of cancer, especially when the cancer is advanced or metastatic. Some cancers are more commonly associated with weight loss than others. These include:
- Pancreatic cancer: Weight loss is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer, often due to the tumor interfering with the normal functioning of the pancreas and affecting digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Stomach (gastric) cancer: Gastric cancer can cause weight loss due to symptoms such as poor appetite, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, which can lead to reduced food intake and malnutrition.
- Esophageal cancer: Similar to stomach cancer, esophageal cancer can cause weight loss due to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which makes eating challenging and leads to reduced calorie intake.
- Lung cancer: Weight loss is frequently seen in individuals with lung cancer, often due to factors such as decreased appetite, cancer-related fatigue, and metabolic changes associated with the cancer.
- Liver cancer: Liver cancer can lead to weight loss due to symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue, as well as the liver’s role in metabolism.
- Hematologic cancers: Certain blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, can cause weight loss due to factors such as increased metabolic rate, decreased appetite, and changes in the bone marrow affecting blood cell production.
- Advanced stage cancer: Regardless of the specific type, advanced or metastatic cancer can lead to weight loss due to factors such as increased energy expenditure, decreased appetite, cancer-related cachexia (a wasting syndrome), and the body’s response to the presence of cancer.
It’s important to note that weight loss can also be caused by a variety of non-cancerous conditions and factors, such as infections, gastrointestinal disorders, thyroid problems, depression, and side effects of medications. If significant and unexplained weight loss occurs, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Early detection and treatment of cancer or other medical conditions can improve outcomes and quality of life.