Symptoms of oncology: an early diagnosis guide

Section 1: General principles of early diagnosis and the importance of attentiveness to your body

Early diagnosis of oncological diseases plays a decisive role in increasing the chances of successful treatment. The earlier the tumor is detected, the less the likelihood of its spread and the more effective therapeutic methods. However, early symptoms of cancer are often non -specific and can be easily mistaken for signs of other, less serious diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important to know the main features that can indicate oncology, and carefully monitor your health. Regular medical examinations and self -examination also play an important role in early detection of cancer.

It is important to understand that the presence of one or more symptoms described in this guide does not necessarily mean the presence of cancer. However, if you notice any changes in your body that seem unusual for you or bother you, you must consult a doctor for examination. Do not postpone the visit to the doctor, even if you think your symptoms are not serious. Early diagnosis can save your life.

Attention to your body is the first and most important step in the early diagnosis of cancer. Know that it’s normal for you, and pay attention to any changes that occur. Be your best defender and do not be afraid to ask your doctor questions.

Section 2: General symptoms that may indicate oncological diseases

There are general symptoms that can be associated with various types of cancer. These symptoms are not specific for any specific type of cancer, but their presence should alert and serve as an occasion to see a doctor.

2.1. Inexplicable weight loss:

Inexplicable weight loss is weight loss without any apparent reason, such as a change in a diet or increasing physical activity. If you have lost more than 5 kg in a short period of time (for example, in a few months) without making any efforts, this can be a sign of a serious disease, including cancer. Cancer can lead to weight loss due to several factors, such as:

Increase in metabolism: Cancer cells grow quickly and share, which requires a large amount of energy. This can lead to an increase in metabolism and, as a result, to weight loss.
Loss of appetite: Some types of cancer can cause loss of appetite, which leads to a decrease in calories consumption and, as a result, to weight loss.
Digestive problems: Cancer can affect the digestive organs, such as the stomach, intestines or liver, which can lead to problems with digestion and assimilation of food.
Development of factors that suppress the appetite: Some tumors can produce substances that suppress appetite.

2.2. Increased fatigue (chronic fatigue):

Fatigue is a normal phenomenon that occurs after physical or mental stress. However, chronic fatigue is fatigue that does not pass after rest and which interferes with everyday activities. Chronic fatigue can be a sign of many diseases, including cancer. Cancer can cause fatigue due to several factors, such as:

Anemia: Cancer can lead to anemia, that is, to a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Red blood cells tolerate oxygen throughout the body, and their disadvantage can lead to fatigue.
Violation of metabolism: Cancer can violate the metabolism, which leads to a decrease in energy and fatigue.
Inflammation: Cancer can cause inflammation, which can lead to fatigue.
Cancer treatment: Treatment of cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause fatigue.

2.3. Fever (fever):

The fever is an increase in body temperature above the norm. The fever is often a sign of infection, but it can also be a sign of cancer. Cancer can cause fever due to several factors, such as:

Inflammation: Cancer can cause inflammation, which can lead to fever.
Weakening of the immune system: Cancer can weaken the immune system, which makes a person more susceptible to infections.
Cancer cells: In rare cases, cancer cells themselves can cause fever.

2.4. Pain:

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can be caused by various reasons. The pain can be a sign of cancer, especially if it is constant, increasing and does not pass after taking painkillers. Cancer tumors can cause pain by exerting pressure on nerves, bones or organs.

2.5. Skin changes:

Changes in the skin, such as new moles, changes in existing moles, ulcers that do not heal, or thickening of the skin, can be a sign of skin cancer. It is important to regularly inspect your skin and consult a doctor if you notice any changes.

2.6. Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder:

Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder, such as constipation, diarrhea, blood in a chair or urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, can be a sign of cancer of the colon, bladder or prostate.

2.7. Cough or hoarse voice that do not pass:

Permanent cough or hoarse voice that do not pass can be a sign of lung cancer or larynx.

2.8. Difficult swallowing:

Difficult swallowing can be a sign of esophagus or larynx cancer.

2.9. Unusual bleeding or discharge:

Unusual bleeding or discharge, such as blood in sputum, blood in a chair, blood in the urine, bloody discharge from the vagina between menstruation, can be a sign of lung cancer, colon, bladder, uterus or cervix.

2.10. Seals or swelling:

Seal or swelling under the skin, especially in the chest, armpits, neck or groin, can be a sign of breast cancer, lymphoma or other types of cancer.

2.11. Non -healing ulcers:

Non -healing ulcers on the skin, in the mouth or on the genitals can be a sign of skin cancer or other types of cancer.

It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by other diseases that are not associated with cancer. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor to examine and exclude cancer.

Section 3: Symptoms of cancer depending on localization

In addition to general symptoms, there are symptoms that are more specific for a specific type of cancer, depending on its localization.

3.1. Breast cancer:

Seal or swelling in the chest or armpit.
Changing the size or shape of the chest.
Subject of the nipple.
Discharge from the nipple, especially bloody.
Changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness, peeling or the formation of pits.

3.2. Lung cancer:

Permanent cough that does not pass.
Blood in sputum.
Pain in the chest.
Dyspnea.
Hoarse voice.
Weight loss.
Fatigue.

3.3. Colon and rectum cancer:

Changes in the work of the intestine, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Blood in the chair.
Abdominal pain.
Weight loss.
Fatigue.
A feeling of incomplete bowel movements.

3.4. Prostate cancer:

Frequent urination, especially at night.
A weak stream of urine.
Difficult urination.
Pain during urination.
Blood in the urine or sperm.
Low’s pain or hips.

3.5. Cervical cancer:

Bloody discharge from the vagina between menstruation.
Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Paling in the pelvis.
Pain during intercourse.

3.6. Ovary cancer:

Paling in the pelvis.
Bloating.
Frequent urination.
Changes in the work of the intestine.
Loss of appetite.
Fatigue.

3.7. Stomach cancer:

Abdominal pain.
Nausea.
Vomit.
Loss of appetite.
Weight loss.
A feeling of overflow after eating.
Blood in the chair.

3.8. Pancreatic cancer:

Abdominal pain, which gives in the back.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white proteins).
Weight loss.
Loss of appetite.
Nausea.
Vomit.
Diabetes.

3.9. Skin cancer:

New moles.
Change of existing moles (change in size, shape, color, bleeding).
Ulcers that do not heal.
Thickening of the skin.

3.10. Blood cancer (leukemia):

Fatigue.
Weakness.
Frequent infections.
Bleeding or bruises for no reason.
Bone pain.
Increase in the lymph nodes.

3.11. Brain cancer:

Headaches.
Convulsions.
Problems with vision.
Speech problems.
Problems with coordination of movements.
Personality changes.

This is far from a complete list of symptoms of cancer, but it covers the most common types of cancer and their main manifestations. It is important to remember that the symptoms of cancer can be different among different people, and not all people with cancer experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Section 4: Risk risk factors for cancer and prevention

Understanding the risk factors for the development of cancer and taking prevention measures can help reduce the likelihood of developing this disease.

4.1. Risk factors that cannot be changed:

Age: The risk of cancer is increased with age.
Genetics: Some types of cancer have a hereditary predisposition.
Family history: If you have close relatives who had cancer, your risk of developing this disease may be higher.
Race/ethnicity: Some races and ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Previous diseases: Some diseases, such as inflammatory intestinal diseases, can increase the risk of cancer.
Immunodeficiency states: People with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer.

4.2. Risk factors that can be changed:

Smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for the development of lung cancer, as well as many other types of cancer.
Diet: Improper nutrition, with a high content of fats and processed products, and a low content of fruits, vegetables and fiber, can increase the risk of cancer.
Physical activity: A lack of physical activity can increase the risk of cancer.
Excess weight and obesity: Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of developing many types of cancer.
Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cancer.
The effect of ultraviolet radiation: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or solariums can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Exposure of carcinogenic substances: The effect of carcinogenic substances in the workplace or in the environment can increase the risk of cancer.
Infections: Some infections, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, can increase the risk of cancer.

4.3. Cancer prevention measures:

Refusal of smoking: Refusal of smoking is the most important step that you can take to reduce the risk of cancer.
Healthy nutrition: Observe a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber, and limit the consumption of fats, processed products and red meat.
Regular physical activity: Physical activity of at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Maintain healthy weight with healthy nutrition and regular physical activity.
Alcohol use restriction: Limit the use of alcohol to moderate quantities (no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men).
Sun protection: Protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen, wear a headdress and clothes that cover the body, and avoid staying in the sun in the hottest hours of the day.
Vaccination: Make a vaccine against HPV and hepatitis B to reduce the risk of cancer related to these infections.
Regular medical examinations and screening: Regularly undergo medical examinations and screening for cancer, such as mammography, papa test and colonoscopy to identify cancer at an early stage.
Avoid exposure to carcinogenic substances: Avoid exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace or in the environment.

The adoption of these prevention measures can help reduce the risk of cancer and improve your general health.

Section 5: Methods for diagnosing oncological diseases

Diagnosis of cancer diseases includes various methods that allow you to identify the presence of a tumor, determine its type, stage and prevalence. The choice of a specific diagnostic method depends on the alleged localization of the tumor and on the clinical picture of the disease.

5.1. Clinical inspection:

Clinical inspection is the first stage of cancer diagnosis. The doctor conducts a general examination of the patient, evaluates his general condition, measures the temperature, blood pressure, pulse, palpates of the lymph nodes and examines those organs and systems in which the presence of a tumor is supposed.

5.2. Laboratory research:

Laboratory studies include tests of blood, urine and other biological fluids. These tests can help identify signs of cancer, such as anemia, an increase in the level of certain enzymes or proteins, the presence of tumor markers.

General blood test: Allows you to evaluate the general condition of the body, identify anemia, inflammatory processes and other deviations.
Biochemical blood test: Allows you to evaluate the function of various organs and systems such as liver, kidneys, pancreas.
Urine analysis: Allows you to identify the presence of blood, protein, glucose and other substances in the urine, which may indicate damage to the urinary tract or kidneys.
Tumor markers: Tumor markers are substances that are produced by cancer cells and can be found in the blood or other biological fluids. An increase in the level of tumor markers may indicate the presence of cancer, but it is not a specific sign and can be associated with other diseases.

5.3. Instrumental diagnostic methods:

Instrumental diagnostic methods allow you to visualize the tumor and evaluate its size, shape, localization and prevalence.

Radiography: X -ray is a method that uses x -rays to obtain images of internal organs and tissues. X -ray can be used to diagnose lung cancer, bones, mammary gland and other organs.
Computed tomography (CT): CT is a method that uses x -rays to obtain three -dimensional images of internal organs and tissues. CT can be used to diagnose cancer of almost any organ.
Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): MRI is a method that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of internal organs and tissues. MRI can be used to diagnose brain cancer, spinal cord, breast, prostate gland and other organs.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): Ultrasound is a method that uses sound waves to obtain images of internal organs and tissues. Ultrasound can be used to diagnose breast cancer, thyroid gland, liver, kidneys and other organs.
Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a method that uses a thin, flexible tool with a camera at the end to inspect internal organs. Endoscopy can be used to diagnose cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, bronchi and other organs.
Biopsy: A biopsy is a method that consists in taking a sample of fabric from a suspicious area for research under a microscope. The biopsy is the most reliable way to diagnose cancer and allows you to determine the type of tumor and its stage.
Positron emission tomography (PET): PET is a method that uses radioactive substances to obtain images of metabolic fabric activity. PET can be used to diagnose cancer, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and detect metastases.
Scintigraphy: Scintigraphy is a method that uses radioactive substances to obtain images of various organs and tissues. Scintigraphy can be used to diagnose cancer of bones, thyroid gland and other organs.

The choice of a specific diagnostic method depends on the alleged localization of the tumor and on the clinical picture of the disease. The doctor will determine what diagnostic methods are necessary in each case.

Section 6: Cancer Screening

Screening for cancer is conducting examinations in people without symptoms of cancer in order to detect a disease at an early stage, when it is easier to treat. Screening can help reduce cancer mortality.

6.1. The main types of cancer screening:

Breast cancer screening: Mammography (X-ray examination of the mammary gland) is recommended for women aged 40-74 years.
Screening for cervical cancer: Pap test (cytological study of smear from the cervix) is recommended for women aged 21-65.
Screening for colon and rectum cancer: Colonoscopy (examination of the colon with an endoscope) is recommended for men and women aged 45-75 years.
Screening for prostate cancer: A blood test for a prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and a finger rectal examination (for) is recommended for men aged 50-75 years with risk factors for the development of prostate cancer.
Lung cancer screening: Small-dedicated computed tomography (NDC) is recommended for smokers aged 55-80, who has a smoking experience of at least 30 packs.

6.2. Important factors that need to be taken into account when making a decision on passing screening for cancer:

Age: The risk of cancer is increased with age, so screening is recommended in certain age groups.
Risk factors: The presence of risk factors for cancer, such as family history, smoking, obesity, can affect the decision on the passage of screening.
The benefits and harm of screening: It is important to weigh the benefits and harm of screening, as some types of screening can lead to false positive results and unnecessary examinations.
Doct’s recommendations: Discuss with your doctor the need to pass the screening for cancer and select the optimal screening program, taking into account your individual risk factors and preferences.

Cancer screening is an important tool in early diagnosis and cancer prevention. Regular screening in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations can help identify cancer at an early stage and increase the chances of successful treatment.

Section 7: What to do if you suspect cancer

If you suspect cancer, it is important not to panic and take the following steps:

Consult a doctor: Sign up for an appointment with a doctor to conduct an examination. Tell the doctor in detail about your symptoms and what bothers you. Feel free to ask questions.
Conduct the necessary examinations: The doctor can prescribe various examinations to you, such as blood tests, urine, radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, endoscopy or biopsy. It is important to undergo all appointed examinations in order to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Trust professionals: Trust the opinion of the doctors and follow their recommendations. Do not self -medicate and do not look for information in unreliable sources.
Get a second opinion: If you are not sure of the diagnosis or treatment plan, you have the right to get a second opinion from another doctor.
Prepare for a possible diagnosis: If the diagnosis of cancer is confirmed, be prepared for the fact that you will need treatment. Discuss with the doctor various treatment options and choose the one that suits you best.
Support for support: Contact your loved ones, friends or specialized organizations that help people with cancer. Psychological support can be very important in this difficult period.
Do not lose hope: Remember that many types of cancer are successfully treated, especially if they are detected at an early stage. Do not lose hope and believe in the best.

Early cancer diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. Do not ignore suspicious symptoms and consult a doctor if you have any fears.