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I Have Had A Fever For More Than A Week,
Question: I have had a fever for more than a week, for a while it was constant, 101-102. The past two days the fever has been gone during the day, and around 100-101 at night. I am also sweating a lot overnight the past 3-4 days. I'm mostly worried about this being a sign of cancer, but why is the fever now going away during the day and coming back at night?
I went to the DR this week, he did a chest x-ray (which was clear) and said to wait another week (until tomorrow) to see if the fever goes away. I don't have any other symptoms of anything that I can tell. Sometimes I get a headache with the fever
I went to the DR this week, he did a chest x-ray (which was clear) and said to wait another week (until tomorrow) to see if the fever goes away. I don't have any other symptoms of anything that I can tell. Sometimes I get a headache with the fever
Brief Answer:
Cancer may cause fever but Infection is a more likely cause- tests and follow-ups may be indicated (explained below)
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Fever can happen with certain infections, autoimmune conditions or cancer.
Fever is not a very common presentation of cancer though unless other symptoms suggestive of cancer are present.
In your case, because the fever has been there for less than 2-3 weeks, and you do not have other symptoms (feeling tired, cough, weight loss, skin rash, joint pains, urinary symptoms, etc) very likely this is a self-limiting condition and that will fade within the next few days.
Meanwhile, the doctor may do some tests such as CBC and ERS, urinalysis, HIV serology, TSH for the thyroid function, ANA and RF (for autoimmune conditions), tests for tuberculosis, will examine your armpits, neck, groins for lymph nodes, will evaluate your liver, and spleen, etc.
Most of the patients have normal results of these tests and the fever subsides within 3 weeks.
To conclude:
- fever is a potential symptom of cancer but not a very common presentation of cancer, especially in the absence of other symptoms.
- other conditions such as infections are more likely the cause in your case but some tests may be done as mentioned above
- meanwhile, try to keep your self hydrated (drink plenty), rest as needed (at least 8 hours), use Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food for the fever, etc.
As for the fever being more at night and subsiding during the day, this is a normal thing as the temperature tends to be higher at night compared to during the day. Most of the time, patients tend to have fever at night and no fever during the day. The first few days patients may have fever day and night and later they tend to have fever only at night till fever gradually fades.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Cancer may cause fever but Infection is a more likely cause- tests and follow-ups may be indicated (explained below)
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Fever can happen with certain infections, autoimmune conditions or cancer.
Fever is not a very common presentation of cancer though unless other symptoms suggestive of cancer are present.
In your case, because the fever has been there for less than 2-3 weeks, and you do not have other symptoms (feeling tired, cough, weight loss, skin rash, joint pains, urinary symptoms, etc) very likely this is a self-limiting condition and that will fade within the next few days.
Meanwhile, the doctor may do some tests such as CBC and ERS, urinalysis, HIV serology, TSH for the thyroid function, ANA and RF (for autoimmune conditions), tests for tuberculosis, will examine your armpits, neck, groins for lymph nodes, will evaluate your liver, and spleen, etc.
Most of the patients have normal results of these tests and the fever subsides within 3 weeks.
To conclude:
- fever is a potential symptom of cancer but not a very common presentation of cancer, especially in the absence of other symptoms.
- other conditions such as infections are more likely the cause in your case but some tests may be done as mentioned above
- meanwhile, try to keep your self hydrated (drink plenty), rest as needed (at least 8 hours), use Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food for the fever, etc.
As for the fever being more at night and subsiding during the day, this is a normal thing as the temperature tends to be higher at night compared to during the day. Most of the time, patients tend to have fever at night and no fever during the day. The first few days patients may have fever day and night and later they tend to have fever only at night till fever gradually fades.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for providing such a detailed, and quick answer, I appreciate it very much.
I forgot to mention I am also sweating quite a bit at night. Does that make a difference in your answer?
My Dr. did an exam last Wednesday and did not find anything (lymph nodes, etc.) and he did a chest x-ray and uranalysis, but no other tests. The fever has lasted two weeks as of today.
I forgot to mention I am also sweating quite a bit at night. Does that make a difference in your answer?
My Dr. did an exam last Wednesday and did not find anything (lymph nodes, etc.) and he did a chest x-ray and uranalysis, but no other tests. The fever has lasted two weeks as of today.
Sorry it looks like I did mention I am sweating a lot at night. I didn't see it mentioned in your response so thought I may have forgot to add it, but I re-read my question and looks like I did
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Yes, you did mention the night sweats. Fever and sweating generally go hand in hand. On the other hand there are cases when a tumor may cause prolonged fever and night sweats but also weight loss.
This may happen in lymphoma or leuchemia. In leuchemia there would be changed in CBC and lymphoma would cause enlarged lymphnodes. So, in your case, I would say infection is more likely bit tests, as mentioned above, may be done.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Yes, you did mention the night sweats. Fever and sweating generally go hand in hand. On the other hand there are cases when a tumor may cause prolonged fever and night sweats but also weight loss.
This may happen in lymphoma or leuchemia. In leuchemia there would be changed in CBC and lymphoma would cause enlarged lymphnodes. So, in your case, I would say infection is more likely bit tests, as mentioned above, may be done.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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