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First alarming calls: symptoms of oncology
I. General principles of early diagnosis of oncological diseases
Early diagnosis of cancer is a cornerstone in increasing survival and improving the quality of life of patients. When cancer is found at an early stage, when it is still localized and has not spread to other organs, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly. Early detection allows you to use less aggressive treatment methods, which reduces the risk of side effects and long -term complications.
A. The value of self -examination and regular medical examinations:
Self -examination, subject to its correct implementation, can help identify suspicious changes in the body at an early stage. However, self -examination is not a replacement for regular medical examinations. A qualified doctor may detect signs of cancer, which are not noticeable during self -examination. Regular medical examinations, including examinations, palpation, as well as the necessary tests and studies, are determined by a doctor taking into account age, gender, family history and risk factors.
B. Risk factors for the development of cancer:
Understanding the risk factors associated with the development of cancer allows you to take preventive measures and pay special attention to the corresponding symptoms. The main risk factors include:
- Age: The risk of developing many types of cancer increases with age. This is due to the accumulation of genetic mutations and the weakening of the immune system.
- Genetic predisposition: The presence of a family history of cancer increases the risk of cancer. This is due to the inheritance of genes that increase susceptibility to cancer. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer and ovaries.
- Life: The wrong lifestyle, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, improper nutrition and lack of physical activity, significantly increases the risk of developing many types of cancer.
- The effect of carcinogens: The influence of carcinogens, such as asbestos, benzene, radon, and ultraviolet radiation, can lead to cancer.
- Infections: Some infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori virus, increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer, colon, uterus, kidneys and esophagus.
- Immunodeficiency states: People with a weakened immune system, for example, patients with HIV/AIDS or those who take immunosuppressants have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- Hormonal factors: Hormonal factors play a role in the development of breast cancer, uterus and ovaries. Long -term use of hormonal therapy, early menstruation or late menopause can increase the risk of developing these types of cancer.
C. The importance of seeing a doctor when an alarming symptoms appear:
You should not ignore or underestimate any changes in the state of health, especially if they are preserved for a long time. If an alarm symptoms appear, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor to diagnose and exclude or confirm the diagnosis of cancer. Self -medication can lead to a delay in the diagnosis and worsening of the forecast.
II. General symptoms that may indicate the presence of oncological disease:
There are no universal symptoms of cancer, since the symptoms depend on the type, localization and stage of the disease. However, there are a number of general symptoms that may indicate the presence of an oncological disease and require immediate consultation with a doctor. It is important to note that the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean the presence of cancer, but requires a thorough examination.
A. Inexplicable weight loss:
Inexplicable weight loss of more than 5 kilograms in a short period of time (several weeks or months) without changing a diet or physical activity may be a sign of cancer. This may be due to the fact that cancer cells consume a large amount of energy, or with the fact that cancer affects the appetite and ability of the body to absorb nutrients.
B. Constant fatigue:
Constant fatigue, not related to physical or mental stress, and not passing after rest, can be a symptom of cancer. Cancer cells can distinguish substances affecting energy metabolism and causing fatigue. Fatigue can also be associated with anemia, which is often found in patients with cancer.
C. Pain:
Constant or intensifying pains that are not associated with injury or other obvious causes may be a sign of cancer. The pain can be localized in a certain place or spread to other areas of the body. The mechanism of pain in cancer can be associated with the pressure of the tumor on the surrounding tissues, the germination of the tumor into the nerve fibers, or the release of substances that cause inflammation and pain.
D. Changes in the skin:
Changes in the skin, such as the appearance of new moles, changes in size, shape or color of existing moles, non -healing ulcers, change in pigmentation, itching or bleeding of the skin, can be a sign of skin cancer. It is important to regularly inspect the skin and pay attention to any suspicious changes.
E. Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder:
Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder, such as constipation, diarrhea, change in stool consistency, blood in a chair or urine, frequent urination, painful urination, urinary incontinence, can be a sign of colon cancer, bladder or prostate gland.
F. Non -healing wounds or ulcers:
Non -healing wounds or ulcers, especially on the skin, mouth or on the genitals, can be a sign of skin cancer, cancer of the oral cavity or genital cancer.
G. bleeding or discharge:
Unusual bleeding or discharge, such as blood in sputum, blood in a chair, blood in the urine, blood from the vagina outside menstruation, blood from a nipple, blood in saliva, can be a sign of lung cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer, oral cancer or cancer of the oral cavity.
H. An increase in lymph nodes:
An increase in lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits or groin, can be a sign of cancer. An increase in lymph nodes may be due to the fact that cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes.
I. Cough or hoarse voice:
A constant cough or hoarse voice that is not associated with a cold or other obvious causes may be a sign of lung cancer or laryngeal cancer.
J. Difficult swallowing:
Difficult swallowing (dysphagia) may be a sign of esophagus or laryngeal cancer.
K. Visiting Visual:
A sudden or progressive disturbance of vision, such as biangling in the eyes, fuzziness of vision, loss of vision, can be a sign of brain cancer or cancer of the eye.
III. Symptoms characteristic of certain types of cancer:
In addition to general symptoms, there are symptoms that are characteristic of certain types of cancer. Knowing these symptoms can help in early diagnosis and timely seeking a doctor.
A. breast cancer:
- Seal or knot in the mammary gland: This is the most common symptom of breast cancer. The seal can be solid or soft, painful or painless.
- Changing the size or shape of the mammary gland: An increase or decrease in the size of one breast compared to another, or a change in the shape of the mammary gland, can be a sign of cancer.
- Subject of the nipple: Claus of the nipple, which was not previously observed, may be a sign of cancer.
- Separation from the nipple: Discharge from the nipple, especially bloody ones, can be a sign of cancer.
- Changes in the skin of the mammary gland: Changes in the skin of the mammary gland, such as redness, swelling, wrinkles or peeling, can be a sign of cancer.
- Increase in the lymph nodes under the arm: An increase in lymph nodes under the arm can be a sign of cancer.
B. lung cancer:
- Permanent cough: A constant cough that does not pass after several weeks can be a sign of lung cancer.
- Blood in sputum: Blood in sputum (hemoptysis) can be a sign of lung cancer.
- Pain in the chest: Pain in the chest, which intensifies when breathing or cough, can be a sign of lung cancer.
- Dyspnea: Shortness of breath can be a sign of lung cancer.
- Hoarse voice: The hoarse of the voice can be a sign of lung cancer.
- Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite can be a sign of lung cancer.
- Inexplicable weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss can be a sign of lung cancer.
C. The colon and rectum cancer:
- Changes in the work of the intestine: Changes in the work of the intestine, such as constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the consistency of the chair, can be a sign of cancer of the colon or rectum.
- Blood in the chair: Blood in the chair can be a sign of cancer of the colon or rectum.
- Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain can be a sign of cancer of the colon or rectum.
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movements: A feeling of incomplete bowel movements after defecation can be a sign of colon or rectum cancer.
- Inexplicable weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss can be a sign of cancer of the colon or rectum.
- Fatigue: Fatigue can be a sign of colon or rectum cancer.
D. Prostate cancer:
- Frequent urination: Frequent urination, especially at night, can be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Difficult urination: Difficult urination may be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Weak stream of urine: A weak stream of urine can be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Intermittent stream of urine: An intermittent stream of urine can be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Pain during urination: Pain during urination can be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Blood in the urine: Blood in the urine can be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Back pain, hips or pelvis: Pain in the back, hips or pelvis can be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of prostate cancer.
E. Cancer of the uterus:
- Bloody discharge between menstruation: Bloody discharge between menstruation can be a sign of cervical cancer.
- Bloody discharge after sexual intercourse: Bloody discharge after sexual intercourse can be a sign of cervical cancer.
- Bloody discharge after menopause: Bloody discharge after menopause can be a sign of cervical cancer.
- Paling pain: Paling in the pelvis can be a sign of cervical cancer.
- Pain for sexual intercourse: Pain during intercourse may be a sign of cervical cancer.
- Increase in vaginal discharge: An increase in vaginal discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer.
F. ovic cancer:
- Bloating: Bloating can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
- Abdominal pain or pelvis: Lumber or pelvis can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
- Feeling of quick saturation when eating: A feeling of rapid saturation when eating can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
- Frequent urination: Frequent urination can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
- Changes in the work of the intestine: Changes in the work of the intestine can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
- Fatigue: Fatigue can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
G. skin cancer (melanoma):
- Mole change: Changing the size, shape, color or textures of the existing mole.
- The appearance of a new mole: The appearance of a new mole, especially if it looks unusual.
- Itching, bleeding or soreness of a mole: Itching, bleeding or soreness of a mole.
- Mole with uneven edges: A mole with uneven, jagged edges.
- Asymmetric mole: Asymmetric mole (if you divide the mole in half, both halves will not be the same).
- A mole with a heterogeneous color: A mole with a heterogeneous color (different shades of brown, black, red, white or blue).
- A mole with a diameter of more than 6 mm: A mole with a diameter of more than 6 mm (ABCDE rule).
IV. Diagnostic methods used to detect oncological diseases:
In case of suspicion of cancer, the doctor prescribes a number of diagnostic methods to confirm or exclude the diagnosis, determine the type of cancer, the stage of the disease and choose the optimal treatment strategy.
A. Clinical examination and history of the anamnesis:
The clinical examination and collection of an anamnesis are the first stage of the diagnosis. The doctor examines the patient, palpates the lymph nodes, assesses the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. The doctor also asks questions about the symptoms, medical history, family history and risk factors.
B. Laboratory research:
- General blood test: A general blood test allows you to evaluate the general state of health, identify anemia, inflammation or other changes that may indicate cancer.
- Biochemical blood test: The biochemical test of blood allows you to evaluate the function of the liver, kidneys, pancreas and other organs. Changes in biochemical indicators may indicate cancer.
- Urine analysis: Urine analysis allows you to identify blood, protein, glucose and other substances that may indicate cancer.
- Oncomarkers: Oncomarkers are substances that are produced by cancer cells and can be found in the blood, urine or other biological fluids. An increased level of cancer can indicate cancer, but is not a sufficient basis for diagnosis. Oncomarkers are used for screening, diagnosing, evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and recurrence monitoring.
C. Instrumental research methods:
- Radiography: X -ray allows you to obtain an image of internal organs and tissues using x -rays. X -ray is used to diagnose lung cancer, bone cancer and other types of cancer.
- Computed tomography (CT): CT allows you to get more detailed images of internal organs and tissues than radiography. CT is used to diagnose lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and other types of cancer.
- Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): MRI allows you to get detailed images of soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, mammary glands and prostate iron. MRI is used to diagnose brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
- Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): Ultrasound allows you to obtain an image of internal organs and tissues using ultrasound waves. Ultrasound is used to diagnose breast cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer and other types of cancer.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a research method in which a thin flexible probe with a camera at the end is introduced into the body. Endoscopy is used to inspect internal organs, such as the esophagus, stomach, colon, bronchi and bladder. During endoscopy, a biopsy for histological examination can be taken.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a tissue is taken for histological examination. A histological examination allows you to determine the type of cancer cells, the degree of their malignancy and other characteristics that are important for choosing treatment.
- Bones scintigraphy: Bones scintigraphy is a research method in which a radioactive substance is introduced into the body that accumulates in the bones. Bone scintigraphy is used to detect metastases in bones.
- Positron emission tomography (PET): PET is a research method in which radioactive glucose is introduced into the body. Cancer cells consume more glucose than healthy cells, so PET allows you to identify tumors and metastases.
V. Prevention of cancer:
Prevention of cancer plays an important role in reducing the incidence and mortality from cancer. Prevention includes measures aimed at reducing the effects of risk factors and early detection of precancerous conditions and cancer in the early stages.
A. Primary prevention:
Primary prevention is aimed at preventing the development of cancer by eliminating or reducing the effects of risk factors.
- Refusal of smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for the development of lung cancer, larynx cancer, cancer of the oral cavity, esophagus cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer and other types of cancer. Refusal of smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing these diseases.
- Healthy nutrition: Healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat proteins, reduces the risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and other types of cancer. The consumption of red meat, processed products and sugar should be limited.
- Physical activity: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer and other types of cancer.
- Maintaining normal weight: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer, colon, uterus, kidneys and esophagus. Maintaining normal weight reduces the risk of developing these types of cancer.
- Alcohol use restriction: Alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing oral cancer, esophagus cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. The restriction of alcohol use reduces the risk of developing these diseases.
- Sun protection: A long stay in the sun without protection can lead to the development of skin cancer. It is necessary to use sunscreen, wear a hat and clothes that cover the skin.
- Vaccination: Vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV) reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulva cancer, cancer of the penis, anus cancer and oriental cancer. Hepatitis B vaccination reduces the risk of liver cancer.
- Avoid exposure to carcinogens: The effects of carcinogens, such as asbestos, benzene, radon and other industrial chemicals, should be avoided.
- Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations allow you to identify precancerous conditions and cancer in the early stages, when treatment is most effective.
B. Secondary prevention:
Secondary prevention is aimed at early detection and treatment of cancer, when it is still localized and has not spread to other organs.
- Breast cancer screening: Breast cancer screening includes mammography, a clinical examination of the mammary glands and self -examination of the mammary glands. Regular screening of breast cancer allows you to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.
- Frequency of cervical cancer: The screening of cervical cancer includes a pap test (papanicolau smear) and a HPV test. Regular screening of cervical cancer allows you to identify precancerous conditions and cancer at an early stage.
- Spring of cancer of the colon and rectum: The screening of cancer of the colon and rectum includes colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, a feces analysis for hidden blood and other methods. Regular screening of colon and rectum cancer allows you to identify precancerous polyps and cancer at an early stage.
- Prostate cancer screening: The screening of prostate cancer includes determining the level of a prostatic specific antigen (PSA) in the blood and a finger rectal examination. Regular screening of prostate cancer allows you to identify cancer at an early stage.
- Self -examination of the skin: Regular self -examination of the skin allows you to identify suspicious moles and other skin changes that can indicate skin cancer.
VI. The importance of psychological support for patients with cancer:
The diagnosis of cancer is a serious stress for the patient and his loved ones. Psychological support plays an important role in adaptation to the disease, reducing anxiety and depression, improving the quality of life and increasing the effectiveness of treatment.
A. Psychological problems that occur in patients with cancer:
- Anxiety and fear: Fear of death, fear of pain, fear of side effects of treatment.
- Depression: A sense of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in life.
- Anger: Anger at himself, at doctors, to fate.
- Negation: Denial of the diagnosis, refusal of treatment.
- Guilt: Feeling guilt for getting sick because it hurts loved ones.
- Self -esteem problems: Changing appearance, hair loss, disability.
- Problems in relations with loved ones: Stress, conflicts, isolation.
B. Types of psychological support:
- Individual psychotherapy: Assistance to the patient in awareness and taking the disease, in solving emotional problems, in the development of Coping strategies.
- Group psychotherapy: Support from other patients, exchange of experience, a sense of belonging.
- Family psychotherapy: Help to the family in adaptation to patient illness in solving problems in relationships.
- Consultations with a psychologist or psychotherapist: Providing information about the disease, treatment, about Coping strategies.
- Support from loved ones: Love, care, understanding.
- Participation in support groups: Exchange of experience, support, a sense of belonging.
- Religious support: Faith, prayer, spiritual support.
C. The role of loved ones in the support of the patient:
Close playing an important role in supporting a patient with cancer. They can provide emotional support, help in solving household problems, accompany the doctor’s tricks, and participate in making decisions about treatment. It is important to remember that relatives also need support, as they also experience severe stress.
VII. New directions in early diagnosis and prevention of cancer:
Science does not stand still, and new methods of early diagnosis and prevention of cancer are constantly being developed that can identify cancer in earlier stages and increase the chances of successful treatment.
A. Liquid biopsy:
Liquid biopsy is a diagnostic method in which a blood sample or other biological fluid is used to detect cancer cells, DNA or other cancer molecules. Liquid biopsy is a less invasive method than traditional biopsy and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detection of relapses.
B. Genomic sequencing:
Genomic sequencing allows you to determine the sequence of human DNA and identify genes that increase the risk of cancer. Genomic sequencing can be used to identify people with a high risk of cancer development and to develop individual prevention programs.
C. Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of cancer:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze medical images, such as x -ray pictures, CT and MRI, in order to identify signs of cancer. AI can help doctors quickly and more accurately diagnose cancer.
D. Nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer:
Nanotechnologies are used to develop new methods of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Nanoparticles can be used to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, to visualize tumors and to destroy cancer cells with heat or radiation.
VIII. Final remarks:
Early detection and prevention of cancer are key factors in the fight against cancer. It is important to know the symptoms of cancer, regularly undergo medical examinations and conduct a healthy lifestyle. When an alarm symptoms appear, you must immediately consult a doctor. Psychological support plays an important role in adaptation to illness and improve the quality of life of patients with cancer. New areas in early diagnosis and cancer prevent new opportunities for combating this disease.