Oncology symptoms: how to distinguish from other diseases

Oncology symptoms: how to distinguish from other diseases

I. General (nonspecific) symptoms characteristic of cancer and other conditions

Oncological diseases, in the early stages, are often manifested by non -specific symptoms that can be associated with many other, less serious conditions. This makes it difficult to early diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of attentive attitude to their own health and seeking a doctor when alarming signs appear. It is important to understand that the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean the presence of cancer, but it requires the exclusion of this possibility.

A. Fatigue and weakness (chronic fatigue)

• Oncology: Fatigue associated with cancer is often described as an exhausting, not passing after rest, and disproportionate to the level of activity. It can be associated with a direct effect of a tumor on the body, metabolic changes, hormonal disorders, anemia, or side effects of treatment (chemotherapy, radiation therapy). Fatigue with cancer can significantly affect the quality of life, performance and emotional state.
• Other diseases: Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms in many conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia, hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function), depression, anxiety disorders, chronic stress, infectious diseases (flu, acute respiratory viral infections, mononucleosis), sleep disturbances (insomnia, apnea in a dream), autoimm Arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), and chronic diseases of the kidneys or liver. Insufficient nutrition, dehydration and a sedentary lifestyle can also cause fatigue.
• Differential diagnosis: For differentiation, it is necessary to take into account the duration, intensity and nature of fatigue. If fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, stool changes, bleeding, pain, you must consult a doctor to examine. A blood test (general and biochemical), urine analysis, the study of the thyroid gland, ECG, and other research methods can help establish the cause of fatigue.

B. Inexplicable weight loss

• Oncology: Significant weight loss for no apparent reason (for example, without changing a diet or increasing physical activity) may be a sign of cancer. Weight loss is due to the fact that the tumor consumes a large amount of energy, as well as with the production of substances affecting metabolism and appetite. Weight loss of more than 5% of the total body weight in 6-12 months is considered significant and requires examination. Especially alarming is the loss of weight in the absence of appetite or even aversion to food.
• Other diseases: Weight loss can be observed with hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function), diabetes mellitus (especially 1 type), depression, anxiety disorders, chronic infections (tuberculosis, HIV), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease), and neurological diseases (Parkinson’s disease). Alcohol abuse or drugs can also lead to weight loss.
• Differential diagnosis: It is important to evaluate the speed and degree of weight loss, as well as the presence of related symptoms. The study of the function of the thyroid gland, blood tests for infections, gastroscopy and colonoscopy may be necessary to establish the cause. Assessment of the psychological state is also important.

C. fever (elevated body temperature)

• Oncology: The fever for cancer can be associated with a direct effect of the tumor on the center of thermoregulation in the brain, with the production of substances (pyrogen) with tumor cells, or with secondary infections that occur against the background of weakened immunity (especially during chemotherapy). The fever can be constant or periodic, and is often not accompanied by other symptoms of infection (cough, runny nose). Especially characterized by fever in lymphomas and leukemia.
• Other diseases: The fever is a typical symptom of infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal), autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), inflammatory diseases (appendicitis, pancreatitis), and reactions to drugs.
• Differential diagnosis: It is necessary to exclude infectious causes of fever by conducting blood, urine, and other studies. Assessment of concomitant symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat, rash) will help establish the cause of the fever. In case of suspicion of autoimmune disease, it is necessary to conduct appropriate immunological studies. Long -term fever of unclear genesis requires a thorough examination to exclude cancer.

D. Pain

• Oncology: Pain is a common symptom of cancer, especially in the late stages. The pain can be caused by direct pressure of the tumor on the nerves, organs or bones, an invasion of the tumor into the surrounding tissues, inflammation, or side effects of treatment. The nature of the pain can be different (aching, acute, burning, pressing), and the intensity of pain can vary from weak to unbearable. The pain can be constant or periodic, and can intensify at a certain time of the day or with certain movements.
• Other diseases: Pain is a symptom of many diseases, including arthritis, osteochondrosis, migraine, neuralgia, muscle cramps, injuries, infections, and inflammatory diseases.
• Differential diagnosis: It is important to determine the localization, nature, intensity and duration of pain, as well as factors that enhance or relieve pain. X -ray, CT, MRI and other visualization methods can help establish the cause of pain. A neurological examination may be necessary in case of suspicion of neuralgia or other neurological diseases. It is important to exclude oncological disease, especially with inexplicable pain that does not meet ordinary painkillers.

E. Changes in the skin

• Oncology: Some types of cancer can cause skin changes, such as the appearance of new moles or changes in existing, non -healing ulcers, skin thickening, skin color change (yellowing, redness, darkening), itching, or unusual hairiness. Skin cancer (melanoma, basalioma, flat cell cancer) is often manifested by changes in the skin. Other types of cancer can cause non -specific skin changes associated with impaired immunity or metabolism.
• Other diseases: Changes in the skin can be associated with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, fungal infections, allergic reactions, acne, and other skin diseases.
• Differential diagnosis: Any new or changing moles, ulcers or other formations on the skin should be examined by a doctor. Dermatoscopy and skin biopsy can be necessary to establish a diagnosis. It is important to remember the ABCDE rule when evaluating moles (Asymmetry, Border Irregularity, Color Variation, Diameter> 6mm, Evoling).

F. anemia

• Oncology: Anemia (decreased the level of hemoglobin in the blood) is often found in cancer. It can be caused by blood loss (for example, with cancer of the colon), a violation of the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow (for example, with leukemia), the destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), or by the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Other diseases: Anemia can be caused by iron deficiency, deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid, chronic kidney diseases, autoimmune diseases, bleeding (for example, with stomach ulcer or abundant menstruation), and genetic diseases (thalassemia, sickle cell anemia).
• Differential diagnosis: A blood test (a general blood test, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid) will help establish the cause of anemia. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy may be necessary to exclude bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. The study of bone marrow may be necessary in case of suspicion of leukemia or other diseases of the bone marrow.

II. Specific symptoms characteristic of certain types of oncological diseases

In addition to general symptoms, some types of cancer have more specific manifestations that can help in early diagnosis. However, it is important to remember that these symptoms can also be associated with other diseases, and a comprehensive examination is necessary to make a diagnosis.

A. lung cancer

• Symptoms:
  • Chronic cough that does not pass or intensifies.
  • Heltering (blood in sputum).
  • Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing).
  • Pain in the chest.
  • Wheezing when breathing.
  • Repeated respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia).
  • Hoarse voice.
  • Syndrome of the upper hollow vein (edema of the face and neck, expansion of veins on the chest).
  • Pankosta syndrome (pain in the shoulder, hand, Gorner syndrome).
• Other diseases: Chronic cough can be associated with chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease), allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB), and smoking. Hemoptysis can be caused by bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and bronchiectatic disease. Shortness of breath can be associated with asthma, COPD, heart failure, and pneumonia.
• Differential diagnosis: X -ray of the chest, CT chest, bronchoscopy with biopsy, and cytological examination of sputum can help in the diagnosis of lung cancer. It is important to consider risk factors such as smoking, the effect of asbestos, and the family history of lung cancer.

B. breast cancer

• Symptoms:
  • Seal or tumor in the mammary gland or axillary region.
  • Changing the size or shape of the mammary gland.
  • Subject of the nipple.
  • Discharge from the nipple (especially bloody).
  • Changes in the skin of the breast (redness, edema, “lemon crust”).
  • The pain in the mammary gland (rarely).
• Other diseases: Seals in the mammary gland can be associated with fiberudenoma, cysts, mastopathy, and breast infections (mastitis). Discharge from the nipple can be caused by hormonal changes, taking drugs, and infections.
• Differential diagnosis: Self -examination of the mammary glands, mammography, ultrasound of the mammary glands, and a biopsy of seals can help in the diagnosis of breast cancer. It is important to consider risk factors such as age, family history of breast cancer, early onset of menstruation, later the onset of menopause, and the lack of pregnancies.

C. Tolstoy cancer (colorectal cancer)

• Symptoms:
  • Changes in the work of the intestine (diarrhea, constipation, alternation of diarrhea and constipation).
  • Blood in the chair.
  • Change in the consistency of the chair (narrow, ribbon stool).
  • Abdominal pain (colic, bloating).
  • Inexplicable anemia.
  • A feeling of incomplete bowel movements.
  • Weight loss.
• Other diseases: Changes in the intestine can be associated with irritable intestine (SRK), inflammatory intestinal diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), infections, and food intolerance. Blood in the chair can be caused by hemorrhoids, anal cracks, and diverticulitis.
• Differential diagnosis: Colonoscopy with biopsy, a fecal analysis for hidden blood, and irrigoscopy can help in the diagnosis of colon cancer. It is important to consider risk factors such as age, family history of colon cancer, colon polyps, intestinal inflammatory diseases, and a high fat content and low fiber content.

D. Prostate cancer

• Symptoms:
  • Frequent urination (especially at night).
  • A weak stream of urine.
  • Difficult urination.
  • Painful urination.
  • Blood in the urine or sperm.
  • Low’s pain, hips or pelvis.
• Other diseases: Far urination may be associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (DHCH), urinary tract infections, and diabetes mellitus. A weak stream of urine can be caused by DHPZH, stricture of urethra, and neurological diseases.
• Differential diagnosis: A blood test for a dog (prostatic specific antigen), a finger of a rectal examination, an ultrasound of the prostate gland, and a biopsy of the prostate gland can help in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. It is important to consider risk factors, such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and racial affiliation (Africans have a higher risk).

E. Cancer of the uterus

• Symptoms:
  • Bleeding between menstruation.
  • Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
  • Bleeding after the onset of menopause.
  • Unusual discharge from the vagina.
  • Paling in the pelvis.
• Other diseases: Bleeding between menstruation can be associated with hormonal disorders, uterine polyps, and infections. Bleeding after sexual intercourse can be caused by cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), cervical polyps, and injuries.
• Differential diagnosis: Papanicolau smear (PAP test), colposcopy with biopsy, and analysis for HPV (human papilloma virus) can help in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. It is important to regularly undergo screening for cervical cancer, especially women infected with HPV.

F. leukemia (blood cancer)

• Symptoms:
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Frequent infections.
  • Fever.
  • Mild bleeding or bruising.
  • Increase in the lymph nodes.
  • Bone pain.
  • Weight loss.
  • Night sweating.
• Other diseases: Fatigue and weakness can be associated with anemia, infections, and depression. Frequent infections can be caused by immunodeficiency, and chronic diseases. An increase in lymph nodes can be associated with infections, autoimmune diseases, and reactions to drugs.
• Differential diagnosis: A general blood test with a leukocyte formula, a bone marrow examination (puncture and trepanobiopsy), and cytogenetic examination can help in the diagnosis of leukemia.

G. Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)

• Symptoms:
  • Increase in the lymph nodes (painless).
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Fever.
  • Night sweating.
  • Weight loss.
  • Itching of the skin.
• Other diseases: An increase in lymph nodes can be associated with infections, autoimmune diseases, and reactions to drugs.
• Differential diagnosis: The biopsy of the lymph node, a blood test, CT and PET-KT can help in the diagnosis of lymphoma.

III. The role of screening in the early detection of cancer diseases

Screening is the conduct of medical research to detect oncological diseases in the early stages, when treatment is most effective. Regular screening can significantly increase the chances of recovery.

• Breast cancer screening: Mammography is recommended for women over 40 years of age (the frequency depends on individual risk factors and the doctor’s recommendations). Self -examination of the mammary glands is also an important method for identifying changes.
• Frequency of cervical cancer: The PAP test and analysis for HPV is recommended for women from 21 years old (the frequency depends on the age and results of previous tests).
• Tolstoy cancer screening: Colonoscopy is recommended for people over 45 years old (the frequency depends on the results and the presence of risk factors). Alternative screening methods include a fecal analysis for hidden blood and sigmoidoscopy.
• Prostate cancer screening: Discussion with a doctor about the need for analysis for a dog and a finger of a rectal study is recommended for men over 50 (or earlier, if there are risk factors).
• Light cancer screening: CT chest with a low radiation dose is recommended for smokers and former smokers with a high risk of developing lung cancer.

IV. The importance of seeing a doctor and diagnosis

If any alarming symptoms appear, consult a doctor in a timely manner. Early diagnosis is a key factor in the successful treatment of cancer.

• Anamnesis and physical examination: The doctor will conduct a survey of complaints, medical history, family history, and lifestyle. Physical examination will help identify visible changes and evaluate the general state of health.
• Laboratory research: Blood tests (general, biochemical, cancer), urine analysis, fecal analysis can provide valuable information about the state of the body and the presence of signs of cancer.
• Instrumental research: X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET-C, endoscopy, and biopsy are important methods for the diagnosis of cancer.
• Morphological diagnostics: Biopsy (taking a sample of tissue for research under a microscope) is a gold standard in the diagnosis of cancer. A histological and cytological examination allows you to determine the type of cancer, the degree of malignancy, and other important characteristics of the tumor.

V. Conclusion (This is not included as requested.)
VI. Resources (This is not included as requested.)

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. The information provided here should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the internet.