Can cancer cause odor?

The manifestations of cancer are multifaceted and extensive, which in some cases makes it difficult to diagnose.

However, as a rule, the symptoms reflect the place of origin of the tumor. When these warning signs show up physically, they can cause an odor. This is especially true for tumors that break through the surface of the skin, leaving behind dead tissue.

When the tumors ulcerate, they can give off an odor that is widely described as unpleasant and strong.

“A cancerous ulcer is when cancer growing under the skin breaks through the skin and forms a wound,” says oncologist Andrey Vorobyov in an interview with MedikForum.

These wounds, sometimes medically referred to as "fumigation" wounds, are the result of damage to the blood vessels by the tumor. Tumors can block and damage small vessels, which leads to disruption of oxygen circulation.

“If not taken urgently, this can lead to tissue necrosis or death, leaving a wound that can become infected and ulcerate. While these types of complications are rare in cancer patients, they are possible with some types of cancer,” adds Vorobyov.

According to the oncologist, in fact, peptic ulcer can develop in the part of the body where the tumor originated or where it has spread. Ulceration, however, is more likely with breast, head and neck cancer, or melanoma.

He noted that this is partly due to the fact that these cancers develop close to or on the skin. If the wound presses on the nerves, it may cause pain at the site of the ulcer or elsewhere in the body. Because the ulcer protrudes from the skin, oozing or discharge may be visible at the site of the wound. It can give off a "strong" and "unpleasant" odor.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter