Symptoms and signs of oncology

Symptoms and signs of oncology: a guide to early detection and awareness

General information about the nature of cancer

Cancer is a common name for a group of more than 100 diseases in which the cells of the body begin to uncontrolled and spread, forming tumors that can affect the surrounding tissues and organs. This disease develops as a result of genetic changes, which affect the normal growth, division and differentiation of cells. These changes can be caused by various factors, including heredity, exposure to carcinogenic substances, infections and lifestyle.

Oncological diseases are characterized by the fact that malignant cells have the ability to metastasis – spread from the primary focus to other parts of the body through the circulatory and lymph systems. Metastases form secondary tumors that can affect vital organs, such as lungs, liver, bones and brain, which significantly worsens the prognosis and complicates treatment.

Early detection of cancer is crucial for successful treatment and increasing the chances of survival. Knowing the symptoms and signs of various types of cancer, regular medical examinations and timely seeking a doctor when an alarming symptoms are key factors in the fight against cancer.

General symptoms and signs of cancer

It must be emphasized that many of the symptoms listed below may not be caused by cancer. Nevertheless, when they appear, you should consult a doctor to examine and exclude malignant pathology.

Inexplicable weight loss: Loss of 4.5 kg or more for no apparent reason (for example, diet or physical exercises) may be a sign of cancer. This is especially true if weight loss occurs quickly and progressively. Cancer cells consume a large amount of energy, which leads to depletion of the body and weight loss.
Increased fatigue: The feeling of fatigue and weakness, which does not pass after rest and is not related to physical activity, may be one of the first signs of cancer. Cancer cells can distinguish substances that negatively affect the general condition of the body and cause fatigue. Fatigue can also be the result of anemia caused by blood loss in some types of cancer.
Fever: Permanent or periodic fever (fever) for no apparent reason (for example, infection) may be a sign of cancer. The fever often occurs when the cancer has spread to other organs. Some types of blood cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause fever.
Pain: Constant or increasing pain in a certain area of the body can be a sign of cancer. Pain occurs when the tumor presses on nerves, bones or organs. The nature and localization of pain depends on the type and stage of cancer.
Skin changes: The emergence of new moles or a change in the appearance of existing moles, ulcers that do not heal, or unusual bleeding or lease from skin can be signs of skin cancer. It is important to monitor changes in size, shape, color and texture of moles, as well as the appearance of itching, pain or bleeding.
Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder: Constant constipation, diarrhea, a change in color or consistency of the stool, blood in a chair or urine, frequent or painful urination can be signs of colon cancer, bladder or prostate.
Hoarse or cough that does not pass: Constant hoarseness, a cough that does not pass, or blood in sputum can be signs of lung cancer, larynx or thyroid gland.
Difficulties in swallowing: Difficulties in swallowing (dysphagia) can be a sign of esophagus cancer, stomach or larynx.
Cones or seals: The appearance of cones or seals in the mammary gland, armpits, on the neck or in other parts of the body can be a sign of breast cancer, lymphoma or other types of cancer.
Unusual bleeding or discharge: Blood in sputum, chair, urine or vaginal discharge that is not related to menstruation can be signs of lung cancer, colon, bladder, uterus or cervix.

Symptoms and signs of specific types of cancer

Breast cancer

Bump in the mammary gland or armpit: The most common symptom of breast cancer. The bump can be painless or painful.
Changing the size or shape of the mammary gland: Increase or decrease in the size of the mammary gland, changes in contours or asymmetry.
Subject of the nipple: Drawing the nipple inside, a change in its shape or direction.
Separation from the nipple: Discharge from the nipple, especially bloody or purulent.
Changes in the skin of the mammary gland: Redness, swelling, wrinkles or peeling of the skin of the mammary gland (symptom of “lemon peel”).
Breast pain: Constant or periodic pain in the mammary gland.

Lung cancer

Cough: A constant cough that does not pass, or a change in the nature of chronic cough.
Blood in sputum: Excruption of blood (hemoptysis).
Dyspnea: Difficult breathing, shortness of breath.
Pain in the chest: Pain in the chest, which intensifies with coughing or deep breathing.
The wheezing: A change in voice, hoarse.
Weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.
Fatigue: Increased fatigue.
Recurrent respiratory infections: Frequent bronchitis or pneumonia.

Colon cancer (colorectal cancer)

Changes in the work of the intestine: Constipation, diarrhea or a change in the consistency of the chair, which last for several days.
Blood in the chair: Blood in the chair (bright red or dark).
Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain, bloating or cramps.
Feeling of incomplete bowel movements: The feeling that the intestine was not completely emptied after defecation.
Inexplicable weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.
Fatigue: Increased fatigue.
Anemia: Iron deficiency (anemia).

Prostate cancer

Frequent urination: Frequent urination, especially at night.
Difficulties in urination: Weak or intermittent stream of urine, difficulty on the beginning or termination of urination.
Painful urination: Pain or burning during urination.
Blood in the urine: Blood in the urine.
Low’s pain, hips or pelvis: Low’s pain, hips or pelvis.
Erectile dysfunction: Problems with an erection.

Skin cancer (melanoma, basalioma, flat -cell cancer)

Changes in moles: Changing the size, shape, color or textures of existing moles.
The appearance of new moles: The appearance of new moles that look unusual.
Ulcers that do not heal: Skin ulcers that do not heal for several weeks.
Bleeding or itching on the skin: Bleeding or itching in the area of mole or ulcers.
ABCDE Rule:
- A (Asymmetry): Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not correspond to the other.
- B (Border): Uneven edges. The edges of the moles are uneven, seized or blurry.
- C (Color): Colorfulness. The mole has several colors or shades.
- D (Diameter): Diameter. Mole is more than 6 mm in diameter.
- E (Evolving): Changes. The mole changes in size, shape, color or height.

Cervical cancer

Bloody vaginal discharge: Bloody discharge from the vagina between menstruation, after intercourse or after menopause.
Changes in the menstrual cycle: More abundant or prolonged menstruation.
Pain in the basin: Pain in the basin.
Pain for sexual intercourse: Pain for sexual intercourse.
Vaginal discharge: Unusual discharge from the vagina.

Ovarian cancer

Abdominal pain or pelvis: Abdominal pain or pelvis that does not pass.
Bloating: Bloating.
Feeling of quick saturation: A feeling of quick saturation when eating.
Frequent urination: Frequent urination.
Changes in the work of the intestine: Constipation or diarrhea.
Fatigue: Increased fatigue.
Inexplicable weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.

Stomach cancer

Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen.
A feeling of overflow after eating: A feeling of overflow after eating, even after a small amount of food.
Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting.
Heartburn: Heartburn.
Difficulties in swallowing: Difficulties in swallowing.
Blood in the chair: Blood in the chair (black, tar -shaped stool).
Inexplicable weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.
Fatigue: Increased fatigue.

Leukemia (blood cancer)

Fatigue: Increased fatigue.
Weakness: Weakness.
Frequent infections: Frequent infections.
Fever: Fever.
Bleeding and bruises: Easy bleeding and bruises.
Bone pain: Bone pain.
Increased lymph nodes: Increase in the lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin).
Night sweating: Night sweating.
Inexplicable weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.

Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)

Increased lymph nodes: Increase in the lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin). Usually painless.
Fatigue: Increased fatigue.
Fever: Fever.
Night sweating: Night sweating.
Inexplicable weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.
Quickly: Itching of the skin.

Pancreatic cancer

Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain, which can give in the back.
Weight loss: Weight loss.
Jaundice: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white proteins).
Dark urine: Dark urine.
Light chair: Bright chair.
Quickly: Itching of the skin.
Diabetes sugar: Sudden development of diabetes.

Thyroid cancer

Knot on the neck: The knot on the neck that can be felt.
Pain in the neck: Pain in the neck.
The wheezing: The wheezing.
Difficulties in swallowing: Difficulties in swallowing.
Cough: Cough.

Kidney cancer

Blood in the urine: Blood in the urine.
Pain in the side: Pain in the side.
Bump in the stomach: Bump in the stomach.
Weight loss: Weight loss.
Fatigue: Fatigue.
Fever: Fever.

The importance of early diagnosis and screening

Regular medical examinations and screening examinations are key for early detection of cancer, when treatment is most effective. Screening tests allow you to identify cancer in the early stages, before the appearance of symptoms.

Screening recommendations depend on age, gender, family history and other risk factors. It is important to discuss with a doctor what screening tests are suitable for you.

The main screening tests include:

Mammography: Breast cancer screening.
Colonoscopy: Skreeting of colon cancer.
Papanikolau (Mazok Papanikolau): Screening of cervical cancer.
PSA-test (simplicate-specific antigen): Prostate cancer screening (discuss with a doctor the feasibility of this test).
Low -dose computed tomography (CT) of the lungs: Skreeting of lung cancer for people with high risk (for example, smokers).
Military gland self -examination: Regular self -examination of the mammary gland to identify changes.

Risk factors for cancer

Knowing the risk factors for cancer can help take measures to reduce the risk of the disease. Some risk factors cannot be changed (for example, age and heredity), but other factors are associated with the way of life and the environment, and they can be changed.

The main risk factors for cancer include:

Age: The risk of cancer is increased with age.
Heredity: The presence of cases of cancer in the family can increase the risk of cancer.
Smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for the development of lung cancer, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidneys, pancreas and other types of cancer.
Alcohol: Alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing liver cancer, breast, colon, esophagus and larynx.
Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, colon, uterus, kidneys, esophagus and pancreas.
Inal meals: A high fat diet and low fruits, vegetables and fiber increases the risk of developing colon, breast and other types of cancer.
Lack of physical activity: The lack of physical activity increases the risk of developing colon, breast and uterus.
The effect of ultraviolet radiation: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or solariums increases the risk of skin cancer.
Exposure of carcinogenic substances: The effect of carcinogenic substances in the workplace or in the environment increases the risk of cancer.
Infections: Some infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C virus, and Helicobacter pylori bacterium, increase the risk of cancer.

Cancer prevention

Cancer prevention includes measures aimed at reducing the risk of the development of the disease.

The main measures of cancer prevention include:

Refusal of smoking: Refusal of smoking or preventing the onset of smoking.
Moderate alcohol consumption: Moderate drinking of alcohol or rejection of alcohol.
Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet with a high content of fruits, vegetables and fiber and low fat and treated products.
Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity per week.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight.
Sun protection: Sun protection using sunscreen, hats and clothes.
Vaccination: Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis V.
Regular medical examinations and screening examinations: Regular medical examinations and screening examinations.
Avoiding exposure to carcinogenic substances: Avoiding the effects of carcinogenic substances in the workplace or in the environment.

The importance of seeing a doctor

If any suspicious symptoms or signs appear, you must consult a doctor to examine and exclude malignant pathology. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for the successful outcome of oncological disease. Do not self -medicate and do not postpone a visit to the doctor. Remember that your health is in your hands.

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Introduction (do not turn on!)
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Symptoms and signs of oncology: a guide to early detection and awareness

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