Question 1

can cancer itself cause weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Tumor cachexia is a condition usually seen in patients with advanced cancer that results in loss of lean body mass. Part of it is due to decreased caloric intake but there is also a hypercatabolic state mediated by certain substances produced by the cancer. Of course, organ damage (like liver) due to the cancer also contributes.

Question 2

would gastric cancer typically cause weight loss before pain?

Accepted Answer

Many causes for weig: There are many causes for weight loss.Cancer is just one of more than one dozen causes. Cancer anywhere in the body can lead to unexplained weight loss usually due to loss of appetite.Gastric cancer can cause one of many symptoms like nausea, weight loss and sometimes pain but only when it is large and starting to obstruct the gastric outlet.

Question 3

if a person had a gastric cancer large enough to cause pain or a blockage, should weight loss also be present?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Gastric cancer is frequently associated with weight loss.

Question 4

might malignant melanomas cause weight loss in cancer patients?

Accepted Answer

If large can consume: Melanomas, like any cancer, will consume calories at the expense of healthy tissue in addition to suppressing appetite.

Question 5

my doctor wants me to do a ct due to weight loss i have but he wants me to take iodine before scan. i have hashimotos thyroiditis and ive learned high iodine can mess up thyroid or even cause thyroid cancer. im worried, should i still do it?

Accepted Answer

Get second opinion: A CT with contrast due to weight loss leaves some questions. Iodine does not cause thyroid cancer. You would be well served to get a second opinion about the need for CT in the first place. It may be prudent to consult a gastroenterologist.
Wish you good health!

Question 6

loosing weight may be a  warning sign of cancer. does the person eat less or does the body's metabolism speed up to cause weight loss? thank-you.

Accepted Answer

Often both: Tumor does have higher metabolic rate than rest of the body. Tumor related inflammation often releases mediators that raises the metabolism of the rest of the body as well and depresses appetite.

Question 7

does advanced cervical cancer cause sudden or rapid weight loss or weight gain ? i know most cancers can cause weight loss but wasnt sure on specific

Accepted Answer

Cervical cancer ?'s: Any "advanced cancer" can eventually cause loss of muscle mass, and nutritional deficits leading to weight loss.  A patient with such conditions should be under the care of an oncologist.

Question 8

lost 50 lbs not trying been in touch with my doctor seeing her next week.. does this half to b cancer (no one suggested just know it can a symptom) or can there be other causes for this unexplained weight loss?  just anxious..  thank you?

Accepted Answer

Most feared: While cancer is the most feared cause for unintentional weight loss, there are many other causes that will have to be ruled out, such as malabsorption syndromes, thyroid disease or drugs/ supplements with weight loss as a side effect. You are doing the right thing by seeing your doc.

Question 9

appetite loss but no weight loss im 22 what is it most likely cause? someone told me stomach cancer

Accepted Answer

Not likely at 22!: Stomach ca is very low on the list of causes for a 22 year old with anorexia. Appetite is a complex process mediated by the brain, emotions, metabolic needs, health of the gut & surrounding organs. Lack of weight loss is good news.  I recommend a visit to your doctor to discuss the circumstances that preceeded your anorexia & that may contribute to its persistence. Simple testing is appropriate.

Question 10

would mri enterography help to rule out that cancer is the cause of significant weight loss and severe constipation?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, if: it is recommended by the treating doctor(s), other studies may be needed according to the case at hand, best wishes

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Doctor answers about:

Does cancer always cause weight loss

A member asked:

Can cancer itself cause weight loss?

A member asked:

Would gastric cancer typically cause weight loss before pain?

A member asked:

If a person had a gastric cancer large enough to cause pain or a blockage, should weight loss also be present?

A member asked:

Might malignant melanomas cause weight loss in cancer patients?

A member asked:

My doctor wants me to do a ct due to weight loss i have but he wants me to take iodine before scan. i have hashimotos thyroiditis and ive learned high iodine can mess up thyroid or even cause thyroid cancer. im worried, should i still do it?

A member asked:

Loosing weight may be a warning sign of cancer. does the person eat less or does the body's metabolism speed up to cause weight loss? thank-you.

A member asked:

Does advanced cervical cancer cause sudden or rapid weight loss or weight gain ? i know most cancers can cause weight loss but wasnt sure on specific

A member asked:

Lost 50 lbs not trying been in touch with my doctor seeing her next week.. does this half to b cancer (no one suggested just know it can a symptom) or can there be other causes for this unexplained weight loss? just anxious.. thank you?

A member asked:

Appetite loss but no weight loss im 22 what is it most likely cause? someone told me stomach cancer

A member asked:

Would mri enterography help to rule out that cancer is the cause of significant weight loss and severe constipation?

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