Fever of unknown origin may signal cancer, according to research from Denmark.
New finding: Patients hospitalized with fever of 101.5° F or more for which a cause never was determined were twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer within the next year as the general population. The increased risk was high for cancers of the liver, brain, kidney, colon and/or pancreas as well as sarcoma (cancer of soft tissue).
Reason: Cancer can cause fever through inflammation and infection.
Self-defense: If you are hospitalized due to a fever of unknown origin, ask your doctor whether cancer could be a cause.
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