Diagnosis of cancer: identification of symptoms

Diagnosis of cancer: identification of symptoms

Section 1: General principles of cancer diagnosis

Diagnosis of cancer is a complex and multifaceted process that requires an integrated approach and the use of various examination methods. The success of treatment largely depends on the timely and accurate diagnosis, which allows you to identify a malignant neoplasm at an early stage, when it is also amenable to effective treatment.

1.1. The value of early diagnosis

Early cancer diagnosis is a key factor that determines the prognosis of the disease. In the early stages, cancer often does not have pronounced symptoms, which complicates its timely detection. However, it is at these stages that the tumor is localized and did not spread beyond the limits of the primary hearth, which significantly increases the chances of complete cure. Regular medical examinations, self -examination and attention to any changes in the state of health play an important role in early detection of cancer.

1.2. Stages of the diagnostic process

The diagnostic process usually includes several stages:

• Anamnesis collection and physics examination: The doctor collects information about the patient’s complaints, his medical history, heredity and lifestyle. Physical examination allows you to identify visible signs of the disease and evaluate the general state of health.
• Laboratory research: Analyzes of blood, urine and other biological materials help identify deviations that may indicate the presence of cancer. For example, increasing the level of certain oncomarkers in the blood may indicate the presence of a tumor.
• Instrumental research methods: These include various methods of visualization, such as radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound examination (ultrasound) and positron emission tomography (PET). These methods allow you to visualize internal organs and tissues, detect tumors and evaluate their size, shape and location.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a sample of tissue for a microscopic examination. This is the most reliable method of cancer diagnosis, which allows you to confirm the presence of malignant cells and determine the type of tumor.

1.3. The role of self -examination

Self -study is an important component of cancer prevention and can help identify the disease at an early stage. Regular self -examination allows the patient to know his body better and notice any changes that can be signs of cancer. It is important to remember that self -examination does not replace regular medical examinations, but can be a useful addition to them.

Section 2: General symptoms requiring attention

It is important to understand that many symptoms listed below can be caused by other, less serious diseases. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they are preserved for a long time, you must consult a doctor for examination.

2.1. Inexplicable weight loss

Weight loss for no apparent reason, especially if it is significant (more than 5 kg in a short period of time), can be a sign of cancer. This may be due to the fact that the tumor consumes a large amount of energy, as well as with changes in metabolism caused by cancer.

2.2. Constant fatigue

A feeling of fatigue and weakness that does not pass after rest can be a symptom of many diseases, including cancer. Cancer can cause fatigue due to anemia, a lack of nutrients, hormonal changes and the effects of a tumor on the immune system.

2.3. Skin changes

Changes in the skin, such as new moles, changes in the size or shape of existing moles, the appearance of ulcers that do not heal, a change in skin color (yellowing, darkening or redness) can be signs of skin cancer.

2.4. Non -healing ulcers

Ulcers that do not heal for several weeks can be a sign of skin cancer or cancer of the oral cavity.

2.5. 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 or painful urination, can be signs of colon cancer, bladder cancer or prostate cancer.

2.6. Cough or hoarse voice that do not pass

Permanent cough or hoarse voice that do not pass for several weeks can be signs of lung cancer, laryngeal cancer or thyroid cancer.

2.7. Difficult swallowing

Difficult swallowing (dysphagia) can be a sign of esophagus or cancer of the stomach.

2.8. Cones or seals

The appearance of cones or seals in the mammary gland, armpits, neck or other parts of the body can be a sign of breast cancer, lymphoma or other types of cancer.

2.9. Inexplicable pain

Constant inexplicable pain in any part of the body can be a sign of cancer.

2.10. Inexplicable bleeding

Inexplicable bleeding, such as blood in sputum, blood in a chair, blood in the urine, vaginal bleeding outside menstruation, can be signs of lung cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, cancer or other types of cancer.

2.11. Increased body temperature

Constant elevated body temperature (subfebrile temperature), not associated with infection, may be a sign of blood cancer (leukemia) or lymphoma.

2.12. Night sweating

Strong night sweating, impregnating clothes and bedding, can be a sign of lymphoma or leukemia.

Section 3: Symptoms specific for different types of cancer

In addition to general symptoms, there are symptoms that are more characteristic of certain types of cancer.

3.1. Breast cancer

• A bump or seal in the mammary gland or armpit.
• 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 mammary gland (redness, swelling, wrinkling).

3.2. Lung cancer

• Permanent cough.
• Blood in sputum.
• Pain in the chest.
• Dyspnea.
• Hoarse voice.
• Repeating respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchitis).

3.3. Tolstoy’s cancer

• Changes in the work of the intestine (constipation, diarrhea).
• Blood in the chair.
• Abdominal pain.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Inexplicable weight loss.

3.4. Prostate cancer

• Frequent urination (especially at night).
• Difficult urination.
• A weak stream of urine.
• Pain during urination.
• Blood in the urine or sperm.
• Pain in the back, hips or pelvis.

3.5. Skin cancer

• New mole or other skin on the skin.
• Changing the size, shape or color of the existing mole.
• An ulcer that does not heal.
• Itching, pain or bleeding in the mole.

3.6. Cervical cancer

• Bleeding between menstruation.
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.
• Pain in the basin.

3.7. Ovarian cancer

• Bloating.
• Abdominal pain or pelvis.
• Frequent urination.
• A feeling of satiety after a small meal.
• Fatigue.
• Changes in the menstrual cycle.

3.8. Stomach cancer

• Loss of appetite.
• Abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blood in the chair.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Inexplicable weight loss.

3.9. Pancreatic cancer

• Abdominal pain, which gives in the back.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
• Diabetes that arose suddenly.
• Inexplicable weight loss.

3.10. Blood cancer (leukemia)

• Weakness and fatigue.
• Frequent infections.
• Bleeding and bruises for no reason.
• Bone pain.
• Increased lymph nodes.
• Night sweating.
• Increased body temperature.

3.11. Lymphoma

• Increased lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits, groin).
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Night sweating.
• Increased body temperature.
• Inexplicable weight loss.
• Itching of the skin.

Section 4: Cancer diagnosis methods

To diagnose cancer, various methods are used that allow you to identify the tumor, determine its type and stage.

4.1. Laboratory research

• General blood test: Allows you to evaluate the general state of health, identify anemia, inflammatory processes and other deviations.
• Biochemical blood test: Allows you to evaluate the function of the liver, kidneys, pancreas and other organs.
• Urine analysis: Allows you to identify diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, as well as the presence of blood in the urine.
• Hidden blood analysis: Allows you to identify hidden bleeding in the intestines, which can be a sign of colon cancer.
• Oncomarkers: Oncomarkers are substances that are produced by tumor cells and can be found in the blood, urine or other biological fluids. An increase in the level of certain oncarkers may indicate the presence of cancer. However, it should be remembered that oncomarkers are not always specific for cancer and can increase in other diseases.

4.2. Instrumental research methods

• Radiography: 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 is a more modern radiography method, which allows you to get more detailed images of internal organs and tissues. CT is used to diagnose lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and other types of cancer.
• Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of internal organs and tissues. MRI allows you to get images of soft tissues that are poorly visible in x -rays. MRI is used to diagnose brain cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and other types of cancer.
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): Ultrasound uses sound waves to obtain images of internal organs and tissues. Ultrasound is used to diagnose breast cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer and other types of cancer.
• Positron emission tomography (PET): PET uses radioactive substances to obtain images of metabolic fabric activity. PET allows you to identify tumors in the early stages when they are not yet visible in other images. PET is used to diagnose lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma cancer and other types of cancer.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a method of studying internal organs using a special tool called an endoscope. The endoscope is a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end. Endoscopy is used to diagnose human esophagus cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer and other types of cancer.
• Kolposcopy: Kolposcopy is a method for studying the cervix using a special microscope called a colposcope. Colposcopy is used to diagnose cervical cancer and other cervical diseases.

4.3. Biopsy

A biopsy is a sample of tissue for a microscopic examination. The biopsy is the most reliable method of cancer diagnosis, which allows confirm the presence of malignant cells and determine the type of tumor. There are several types of biopsy:

• Incision Biopsy: Taking a small piece of tumor fabric.
• Excisio biopsy: Full removal of the tumor, followed by microscopic examination.
• Puncture biopsy: Taking a sample of fabric with a thin needle.
• Trepan-Biopsy: Taking a column of fabric using a special needle.
• Endoscopic biopsy: Taking a tissue sample during endoscopic examination.

Section 5: Cancer risk factors

Knowing the risk factors for cancer can help reduce the likelihood of the disease.

5.1. Genetic predisposition

Heredity plays an important role in the development of some types of cancer. If your family has cases of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer or other types of cancer, you have increased the risk of developing these diseases.

5.2. Age

The risk of cancer is increased with age. This is due to the fact that with age the body cells accumulate more DNA damage.

5.3. Floor

Some types of cancer are more common in men, while others are found in women. For example, prostate cancer is found only in men, and breast cancer is mainly in women.

5.4. Life

Some lifestyle factors can increase the risk of cancer.

• Smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for the development of lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophagus cancer, bladder cancer and other types of cancer.
• Excessive drinking: Excessive alcohol use increases the risk of developing liver cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and other types of cancer.
• Inal meals: Improper nutrition, rich in fats and poor fruits and vegetables, can increase the risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer and other types of cancer.
• Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer and other types of cancer.
• Insufficient physical activity: Insufficient physical activity increases the risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer and other types of cancer.
• Ultraviolet radiation: Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and solarium increases the risk of skin cancer.

5.5. Environmental impact

The impact of certain substances in the environment can increase the risk of cancer.

• Asbestos: Asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer and mesotheliomas.
• Radon: Radon increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Chemicals: The effect of some chemicals, such as benzene and vinyl chloride, can increase the risk of blood cancer (leukemia).

5.6. Infections

Some infections can increase the risk of cancer.

• Human papilloma virus (HPV): HPV increases the risk of developing cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, anus cancer and oropharyngeal cancer.
• Hepatitis B and C virus: Hepatitis B virus increases the risk of liver cancer.
• Helicobacter pylori: Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of gastric cancer.
• HIV: HIV increases the risk of lymphoma and other types of cancer.

Section 6: Cancer Prevention

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

6.1. A healthy lifestyle

• Refusal of smoking: Refusal of smoking is the most important step in the prevention of cancer.
• Moderate alcohol consumption: Limit alcohol use.
• Proper nutrition: Adhere to a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Maintain healthy weight.
• Regular physical activity: Do regular physical exercises.
• Ultraviolet radiation protection: Protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation using sunscreen and avoiding the sun stay during peak activity hours.

6.2. Vaccination

Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B virus can help reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, anus cancer, orcer cancer and liver cancer.

6.3. Regular medical examinations

Regular medical examinations, including screening tests for cancer, can help identify the disease at an early stage, when it is also amenable to effective treatment.

6.4. Screening tests

Screening tests for cancer are tests that are carried out to detect cancer in people who do not have symptoms of the disease.

• Mammography: Breast cancer screening.
• Colonoscopy: Screening for colon cancer.
• PAP test: Screening for cervical cancer.
• PSA-Test: Screening for prostate cancer.
• Low -dose computed tomography (NDC): Screening for lung cancer among smokers.

6.5. Self -examination

Regular self -examination of the mammary gland, testicles and skin can help identify any changes that can be signs of cancer.

Section 7: Psychological aspects of cancer diagnosis

Diagnosis of cancer is a serious stress for the patient and his loved ones. It is important to understand that there are psychological resources that can help cope with this difficult period.

7.1. The reaction to the diagnosis

Having learned about the diagnosis of cancer, people can experience various emotions, such as fear, anger, sadness, denial and confusion. It is important to recognize and accept these emotions and give yourself time to adapt to a new situation.

7.2. Support

Support from family, friends, doctors and psychologists can be very important during the period of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Feel free to seek help and support if you need it.

7.3. Information

Obtaining reliable information about your type of cancer, treatment methods and forecast can help you feel more confident and control the situation.

7.4. Positive mood

Preservation of a positive attitude and hope can help you cope with difficulties and increase the effectiveness of treatment.

7.5. Psychological help

If you experience severe stress, anxiety or depression, seek help from a psychologist or psychotherapist. Psychological help can help you cope with emotional difficulties and improve the quality of life.

Section 8: new cancer diagnosis methods

In recent years, new methods of cancer diagnostics have been developed, which allow you to identify tumors in earlier stages and conduct more accurate diagnostics.

8.1. Liquid biopsy

Liquid biopsy is a method of blood analysis or other biological fluids to detect tumor cells or DNA. Liquid biopsy can be used to diagnose cancer in the early stages, monitor the effectiveness of treatment and identify relapse of the disease.

8.2. Molecular diagnostics

Molecular diagnosis is a method for analyzing DNA and RNA of tumor cells to determine their genetic characteristics. Molecular diagnosis can be used to select the most effective method of treatment and predicting the outcome of the disease.

8.3. Artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze medical images, such as x -ray pictures, CT and MRI, to identify signs of cancer. AI can help doctors make a diagnosis faster and more accurate.

8.4. Nanotechnology

Nanotechnologies are used to develop new methods of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Nanoparticles can be used to deliver drugs directly to tumor cells and to visualize tumors in the early stages.

Section 9: The value of consultation with a doctor

It is important to remember that the information presented in this article does not replace the consultation with the doctor. If you have any fears about your health, consult a doctor for examination and diagnosis. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Do not ignore the symptoms that can be signs of cancer. Timely seeking a doctor can save your life.