A malignant neoplasm is called a "cancer". Unfortunately, in terms of symptoms and physical signs of cancer, it depends on the character of the cancer but even cancers which could be detected on physical exam may only be suggestions of cancer until proven by biopsy. Symptoms of cancer vary by the nature or character of the cancer and its location and its affect not only locally but also systemically (affecting the distant parts and functions of the body). And, to make diagnosis more complicated, cancers can produce symptoms both local and systemic that can be found in many non-cancer conditions so it may require the physician in the evaluation of the patient's symptoms and signs to consider a host of non-malignancy conditions as well as possibly cancer which can produce similar symptom patterns and physical exam findings.

An important point to remember is that if a patient has symptoms which has caused the patient to wonder about cancer, that concern is a signal that the patient should be making an appointment for a physician to take a history and perform an examination. The medical workup is important to resolve the patient's concern one way or another and to provide a diagnosis and necessary management for whatever the condition is present. I hope this helps to answer your question in addition to the above responses. ..Maurice.