Oncology symptoms: hidden manifestations

Oncology symptoms: hidden manifestations

I. General principles of cancer and their symptoms

Oncology, or cancer, is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These cells can form tumors that damage the surrounding tissues and organs. Cancer can occur in almost any part of the body, and its symptoms vary greatly depending on the type of cancer, its stage and localization.

Symptoms of cancer can be both obvious and hidden, which complicates early diagnosis. Obvious symptoms often include visible tumors, bleeding or changes in the work of organs. Hidden symptoms, on the other hand, can be more thin and non -specific, they are easy to take as signs of other, less serious diseases.

It is important to understand that the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean the presence of cancer. However, if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, you must consult a doctor for examination. Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer significantly increase the chances of recovery.

II. Hidden symptoms of cancer: a detailed review by systemic manifestations

The hidden symptoms of cancer are often manifested as non -specific features that can be associated with various body systems. These symptoms can be the result of the effects of cancer cells on metabolism, hormonal balance or immune system. Consider the most common hidden manifestations of cancer according to systemic characteristics:

A. General systemic symptoms

1. Inexplicable weight loss: Weight loss for no apparent reason, such as a diet or physical exercises, can be a sign of cancer. This is especially true if weight loss is significant (for example, more than 5% of body weight for 6 months). Cancer cells consume a lot of energy, which can lead to depletion of body reserves. Some types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer, are especially often associated with weight loss. In addition, cancer tumors can distinguish substances that suppress appetite and disrupt metabolism.

2. Constant fatigue: Fatigue that does not pass after the rest can be a sign of cancer. Cancer can cause fatigue due to various factors, including anemia, a violation of hormonal balance and the effects of cancer cells on the immune system. Some types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, are especially often associated with fatigue. In addition, cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can also cause fatigue.

3. Fever of unclear genesis: The increased body temperature, which is not associated with infection or other known causes, may be a sign of cancer. Cancer can cause fever, stimulating the release of substances that affect the center of thermoregulation in the brain. Some types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, are especially often associated with fever.

4. Night sweating: Abundant sweating at night, which is not associated with the ambient temperature or other known causes, may be a sign of cancer. Night sweating can be caused by the effects of cancer cells on hormonal balance or immune system. Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukemia, are especially often associated with night sweating.

5. Skin changes: Changes in color, texture or size of moles or other skin formations can be a sign of skin cancer. You should pay attention to new moles, as well as moles that change in size, shape or color. You should also pay attention to itching, bleeding or pain in the mole.

B. Symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal tract

1. Changes in the work of the intestine: Constant changes in the intestine, such as diarrhea, constipation or change in the consistency of the stool, can be a sign of cancer of the colon or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. You should pay attention to any unusual or persistent changes in the work of the intestine.

2. Blood in a chair or urine: The presence of blood in a chair or urine always requires a doctor. Blood in the chair can be a sign of colon cancer, and blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.

3. Constant heartburn or stomach disorder: Constant heartburn or disorder of the stomach that do not pass after taking antacids can be a sign of stomach or esophagus cancer. You should consult a doctor if heartburn or disorder of the stomach becomes constant or worsen.

4. Difficulties in swallowing: Difficulties in swallowing (dysphagia) can be a sign of esophagus or throat cancer. Dysphagia can manifest itself as a feeling of stuck food in the throat or chest, as well as a cough or suffocation when swallowing.

5. Abdominal pain: Constant or enhanced abdominal pain can be a sign of pancreatic cancer, liver or other abdominal organs.

C. Symptoms associated with the respiratory system

1. Permanent cough: A constant cough that does not pass after several weeks can be a sign of lung cancer. Attention should be paid to the cough, which is accompanied by blood, chest pain or shortness of breath.

2. Dyspnea: Shortness of breath, which occurs for no apparent reason, may be a sign of lung cancer or pleura. Shortness of breath can manifest itself as a difficult breathing, a feeling of lack of air or whistling wheezing.

3. The wheezing: A hoarseness, which does not pass after several weeks, can be a sign of larynx or vocal cords.

4. Pain in the chest: The constant chest pain, which is not associated with injury or other known causes, may be a sign of lung cancer or other diseases of the chest.

D. Symptoms associated with the genitourinary system

1. Changes in urination: Changes in urination, such as frequent urination, difficult urinating or urinary incontinence, can be a sign of prostate cancer or bladder.

2. Blood in the urine: The presence of blood in the urine always requires a doctor. Blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.

3. Back pain: The constant back pain, which is not associated with injury or other known causes, may be a sign of kidney cancer or ovary.

4. Vaginal bleeding: Vaginal bleeding that are not associated with menstruation can be a sign of uterine cancer or cervix.

5. Changes in the chest: Any changes in the chest, such as seals, changes in size or shape, discharge from the nipple or changes in the skin, can be a sign of breast cancer.

E. Symptoms associated with the nervous system

1. Headaches: Constant or enhanced headaches that do not pass after taking painkillers can be a sign of brain tumor.

2. Convulsions: Convulsions that arise for the first time or become more frequent can be a sign of a brain tumor.

3. Weakness or numbness: Weakness or numbness in the hands or legs that occur without a visible cause can be a sign of a brain or spinal cord tumor.

4. Changes in vision or hearing: Changes in vision or hearing, which arise for no apparent reason, can be a sign of a brain tumor.

5. Coordination problems: Problems with coordination or equilibrium, which arise for no apparent reason, can be a sign of a brain tumor.

F. Symptoms associated with the lymphatic system

1. Increased lymph nodes: Increased lymph nodes, which are not painful and do not decrease within a few weeks, can be a sign of lymphoma or leukemia. Lymph nodes can be increased in the neck, armpits or groin.

2. Night sweating: Abundant sweating at night, which is not associated with the ambient temperature or other known causes, may be a sign of lymphoma or leukemia.

3. Fatigue: Fatigue that does not pass after rest can be a sign of lymphoma or leukemia.

4. Fever: The increased body temperature, which is not associated with infection or other known causes, may be a sign of lymphoma or leukemia.

III. Diagnosis of cancer: identifying hidden manifestations

Diagnosis of cancer diseases includes various methods aimed at identifying cancer cells and determining the stage of the disease. It is important to understand that not all diagnostic methods are suitable for identifying all types of cancer. The choice of diagnostic method depends on the suspect type of cancer, its localization and other factors.

A. Physical inspection and collection of anamnesis

The first step in the diagnosis of cancer is a physical examination and collection of an anamnesis. The doctor will ask about the symptoms, the medical history of the patient and his family, and also conduct a physical examination to identify any visible signs of cancer.

B. Laboratory research

Laboratory studies can help identify cancer cells or other signs of cancer in the blood, urine or other biological fluids.

1. General blood test: A general blood test can detect anemia, leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, which can be signs of leukemia or other blood diseases.

2. Biochemical blood test: A biochemical blood test can detect disorders in the liver, kidneys or other organs that can be associated with cancer.

3. Urine analysis: Urine analysis can detect blood in the urine, which can be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.

4. Oncomarkers: Oncomarkers are substances that are produced by cancer cells and can be found in the blood or other biological fluids. However, cancer cancer is not always specific for cancer, and their level can be increased in other diseases.

C. Instrumental research methods

Instrumental research methods allow you to obtain images of internal organs and tissues to identify tumors or other signs of cancer.

1. Radiography: X -ray uses x -rays to obtain images of internal organs and tissues. X -ray can be used to identify tumors in lungs, bones or other organs.

2. Computed tomography (CT): CT uses x -rays and computer processing to obtain more detailed images of internal organs and tissues than radiography. CT can be used to identify tumors in various parts of the body.

3. Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of internal organs and tissues. MRI provides more detailed images of soft tissues than CT, and can be used to detect tumors in the brain, spinal cord, mammary glands and other organs.

4. Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): Ultrasound uses sound waves to obtain images of internal organs and tissues. Ultrasound is safe and painless, and can be used to detect tumors in the liver, kidneys, thyroid gland and other organs.

5. Endoscopy: Endoscopy uses a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end to inspect internal organs and tissues. Endoscopy can be used to inspect the esophagus, stomach, colon, bronchi and other organs.

6. Biopsy: A biopsy is a sample of tissue for research under a microscope. The biopsy is the most accurate method of cancer diagnosis and allows you to determine the type of cancer and its stage.

IV. Risk factors and prevention of cancer

Although the causes of cancer have not been fully studied, there are a number of risk factors that can increase the likelihood of cancer. Understanding these risk factors and taking measures to reduce them can help prevent cancer.

A. Risk factors

1. Age: The risk of cancer is increased with age.

2. Floor: Some types of cancer are more common in men, while others are found in women.

3. Family History of Cancer: The presence of cancer in close relatives can increase the risk of cancer.

4. Smoking: Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, and also increases the risk of developing cancer of other organs.

5. Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing liver cancer, esophagus and other organs.

6. Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, colon, kidneys and other organs.

7. The effect of ultraviolet radiation: The effect of ultraviolet radiation from the sun or solarium increases the risk of skin cancer.

8. The effect of certain chemicals: The effect of certain chemicals, such as asbestos and benzene, increases the risk of cancer.

9. Infections: Some infections, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, increase the risk of cancer.

B. prevention

1. Refusal of smoking: Refusal of smoking is the most effective way to prevent lung cancer.

2. Moderate alcohol consumption: Moderate alcohol consumption or rejection of alcohol can reduce the risk of developing liver cancer, esophagus and other organs.

3. Maintaining a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon, kidneys and other organs.

4. Ultraviolet radiation protection: Protection against ultraviolet radiation from the sun or solarium can reduce the risk of skin cancer.

5. Vaccination: Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer and liver cancer.

6. Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations, including cancer screening, can help identify cancer at an early stage when it is more cured.

V. Final recommendations

Understanding the hidden manifestations of cancer is crucial for early diagnosis and successful treatment. It is important to remember that the presence of one or more of the symptoms described does not necessarily indicate cancer, but requires an appeal to a doctor for a detailed examination. Regular medical examinations, a healthy lifestyle and attention to changes in their body will help reduce the risk of cancer and improve the prognosis.