Oncology symptoms: checklist for self-testing

Oncology Symptoms: a checklist for self-testing (Oncology Symptoms: a Self-Check Chercklist)

I. General symptoms of oncology.

These are symptoms that can indicate various types of cancer and are not specific for a particular organ. Their presence does not necessarily mean cancer, but requires a doctor’s contact for further diagnosis.

A. Inexplicable weight loss.

1. Description: Significant weight loss without conscious efforts over a short period of time (for example, 4.5 kg or 10 pounds or more for a month or two).

2. Mechanisms:

   • Increased metabolism: Cancer cells consume a lot of energy, increasing the metabolic needs of the body and leading to burning more calories.
   • Loss of appetite: Cancer and/or its treatment (for example, chemotherapy) can cause loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, which leads to a decrease in calories consumption.
   • Inflammation: Cancer can cause chronic inflammation, which contributes to the loss of muscle mass (cachexia) and weight loss.
   • Distribution of absorption: Some types of cancer (for example, pancreatic cancer) can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.

3. When to see a doctor: If you notice a significant and inexplicable weight loss, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor. This is especially important if weight loss has occurred quickly (for example, more than 5% of your body weight within a month).

4. Important clarifications: Evaluate whether there were no changes in the diet or physical activity that could explain the loss of weight. Consider the possibility of problems with the thyroid gland, diabetes or other diseases, which can also cause weight loss. Determine if there are other symptoms such as fatigue, fever or night sweating.

B. Persistent Fatigue:

1. Description: A sense of extreme fatigue and exhaustion, which does not pass after rest and interferes with everyday activity. This differs from ordinary fatigue that occurs after physical activity or lack of sleep.

2. Mechanisms:

   • Anemia: Cancer can cause anemia (a low amount of red blood cells), which leads to a decrease in the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues of the body and causes fatigue.
   • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation associated with cancer can lead to fatigue.
   • Hormonal changes: Some types of cancer can affect hormones, which can cause fatigue.
   • Psychological factors: Cancer and its treatment can cause anxiety, depression and stress, which can also contribute to fatigue.
   • Energy consumption with cancer cells: As in the case of weight loss, cancer cells can distract energy from the normal functions of the body.

3. When to see a doctor: If you experience constant and inexplicable fatigue, which does not improve after rest and affects your ability to perform everyday tasks, consult a doctor.

4. Important clarifications: Evaluate the level of stress, sleep mode and the presence of other diseases, such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome or problems with the thyroid gland. Mark if fatigue is related to a certain activity or time of day. Determine if there are other symptoms such as weakness, headache or dizziness.

C. Night sweating:

1. Description: Abundant sweating at night, so strong that you have to change bedding or pajamas.

2. Mechanisms:

   • Hormonal changes: Some types of cancer can affect the production of hormones that regulate body temperature, which leads to night sweating.
   • Infections: Some types of cancer can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections that can cause night sweating.
   • Inflammation: As in the case of fatigue, inflammation may be the cause.
   • Medicines: Some drugs used to treat cancer can cause night sweating.

3. When to see a doctor: If you experience repeated episodes of night sweating, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor.

4. Important clarifications: Make sure the room in which you sleep is well ventilated and has a comfortable temperature. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before bedtime. Exclude other causes of night sweating, such as menopause, infections (for example, tuberculosis) or medicine.

D. Fever):

1. Description: Increased body temperature (usually higher than 38 ° C or 100.4 ° F), which is not associated with a conventional infection. Can be low or high.

2. Mechanisms:

   • Immune answer: Cancer can cause an immune response, which leads to an increase in body temperature.
   • Infections: As mentioned earlier, cancer can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections.
   • Pirogens selection: Some types of cancer can distinguish pyrogen (substances that cause fever).

3. When to see a doctor: If you have a fever that does not pass within a few days, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor.

4. Important clarifications: Measure body temperature thermometer. Determine whether there are other symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, sore throat or body pain that may indicate the infection.

E. Bol (Pain):

1. Description: Constant pain that does not pass after rest or intake drugs. The pain can be localized (in a certain place) or generalized (common throughout the body).

2. Mechanisms:

   • Nerves compression: A cancer tumor can squeeze the nerves, causing pain.
   • Destruction of bones: Cancer that spreads to the bones (metastases) can cause pain in the bones.
   • Inflammation: Inflammation associated with cancer can lead to pain.
   • Blocking organs: Cancer can block organs or ducts, which causes pain.

3. When to see a doctor: If you have a constant and inexplicable pain that does not pass after resting or taking painkillers, consult a doctor.

4. Important clarifications: Describe the nature of the pain (for example, acute, dull, aching, burning). Determine the location of the pain and factors that enhance or facilitate it.

II. Symptoms depending on Location-SPECICIC CANCER SYMPTOMS)

These symptoms are more specific for specific types of cancer and may indicate damage to a particular organ or system.

A. Skin cancer:

1. Changes in mole (Changes in Moles):

   • Description: New moles or changes in existing moles. Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate suspicious moles:

     • ASymmetry (asymmetry): One half of the mole does not correspond to the other.
     • BOrder (edge): the edges of the moles are uneven, jagged or vague.
     • COlor (color): The mole has an uneven color, with various shades of brown, black, red, white or blue.
     • DIAMETER (diameter): a mole of more than 6 mm (approximately the size of the lastic on a pencil).
     • EVolving (changes): The mole changes in the amount, shape, color or height.

   • When to see a doctor: If you notice any changes in moles, especially if they meet ABCDE criteria, contact a dermatologist.

2. New education on the skin (New Skin Growths):

   • Description: New tubercles, ulcers or spots on the skin that do not heal. They can be red, pink, brown, black or colorless.

   • When to see a doctor: If you have a new education on the skin that does not heal for several weeks, contact a dermatologist.

3. Ulcers that do not heal (sores that donat heal):

   • Description: Wounds or skin ulcers that do not heal for several weeks or months.

   • When to see a doctor: If you have an ulcer on the skin that does not heal for a long time, consult a doctor.

B. lung cancer (lung cancer):

1. Persistent Couth):

   • Description: A cough that does not pass within a few weeks or months. Can be dry or with sputum.

   • When to see a doctor: If you have a permanent cough that does not go away, especially if you smoke or smoke earlier, consult a doctor.

2. Blood in sputum.

   • Description: Providing blood with coughing. Even a small amount of blood requires immediate seeing a doctor.

   • When to see a doctor: Take a doctor immediately if you cough with blood.

3. Одышка (Shortness of Breath):

   • Description: Difficult breathing or a feeling of lack of air.

   • When to see a doctor: If you have inexplicable shortness of breath, which is deteriorating, see a doctor.

4. Chest Pain (Chest Pain):

   • Description: Pain in the chest that can be stupid, acute or pressure. It can intensify when breathing or cough.

   • When to see a doctor: If you have constant chest pain, consult a doctor.

5. A hoarse voice.

   • Description: A change in the voice that makes it hoarse or hoarse.

   • When to see a doctor: If you have a hoarse voice that does not pass for several weeks, consult a doctor.

C. Breast Cancer):

1. Breast lump (Breast):

   • Description: A new seal or a bump in the chest or armpit. Not all seals in the chest are cancer, but any new education requires examination.

   • When to see a doctor: Take a doctor immediately if you find a new chest seal.

2. Changes in the size or shape of the chest (Change in Breast Size or Shape):

   • Description: Changing the size or shape of one of the breasts.

   • When to see a doctor: Contact the doctor if you notice changes in the size or shape of the chest.

3. Nipple DischaRge:

   • Description: Discharge from the nipple, especially if they are bloody or transparent.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have discharge from the nipple.

4. Niple Inversion):

   • Description: A nipple that is drawn inside and does not return to a normal position.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you notice a nipple.

5. Changes of the skin of the breast (Changes in Breast Skin):

   • Description: Redness, swelling, peeling or wrinkling of the skin of the chest (the so -called “lemon crust”).

   • When to see a doctor: Contact the doctor if you notice changes in the skin of the chest.

D. Colon Cancer cancer:

1. Changes in the work of the intestines (Change in Bowel Habits):

   • Description: Constant changes in the frequency or consistency of the stool, such as diarrhea or constipation that do not pass.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you notice constant changes in the intestines.

2. Blood in the chair (Blood in Stool):

   • Description: The presence of blood in a chair that can be bright red or dark brown.

   • When to see a doctor: Take a doctor immediately if you find blood in a chair.

3. Blood during defecation (Rectal Bleeding):

   • Description: Bleeding from the rectum.

   • When to see a doctor: Take a doctor immediately if you have bleeding from the rectum.

4. Abdominal pain.

   • Description: Constant pain or discomfort in the abdomen.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have constant abdominal pain.

5. Inexplicable anemia (UNEXPLained Anemia):

   • Description: The low level of hemoglobin in the blood, which can lead to fatigue, weakness and dizziness.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have an inexplicable anemia.

E. Prostate Cancer (Prostate Cancer):

1. Urinating problems:

   • Description: The difficult start of urination, a weak pressure of urine, frequent urination, especially at night.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have problems with urination.

2. Frequent urination, especially at night (Frequent Urination, Especially at Night):

   • Description: The need for frequent urination, especially at night.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have frequent urination, especially at night.

3. Weak urine pressure (Weak Urine Stream):

   • Description: A weak or intermittent stream of urine.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have a weak pressure of urine.

4. Blood in the urine or sperm (Blood in urine or semen):

   • Description: The presence of blood in the urine or sperm.

   • When to see a doctor: Take a doctor immediately if you find blood in the urine or sperm.

5. Back, hips or pelvis (Pain in Back, Hips, or Pelvis):

   • Description: Constant pain in the back, hips or pelvis.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have constant back, hips or pelvis.

F. Cervical Cancer cancer:

1. Anomalous vaginal bleeding (Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding):

   • Description: Bleeding between menstruation, after intercourse or after menopause.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding.

2. Unusual vaginal discharge.

   • Description: Vaginal discharge that has an unusual color, smell or consistency.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have unusual vaginal discharge.

3. Pelvic Pain (Pelvic Pain):

   • Description: Constant pain in the basin.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have constant pain in the pelvis.

4. Pain during sexual intercourse (Pain During Intercourse):

   • Description: Pain during intercourse.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have pain during intercourse.

G. Ovarian Cancer):

1. Animals of life (Bloating):

   • Description: A constant feeling of swelling of the abdomen.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have constant bloating.

2. Palf pain or abdomen (Pelvic or Abdominal Pain):

   • Description: Constant pain in the pelvis or abdomen.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have constant pain in the pelvis or stomach.

3. Feeling Full Quickly):

   • Description: A feeling of quick saturation during food.

   • When to see a doctor: Contact the doctor if you feel quickly saturated during meals.

4. Frequent urination (Frequent Urination):

   • Description: The need for frequent urination.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have frequent urination.

H. Stomach Cancer cancer:

1. Difficulties in swallowing.

   • Description: Difficult swallowing of solid or liquid food.

   • When to see a doctor: Contact the doctor if you have difficulties in swallowing.

2. Abdominal pain.

   • Description: Abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have abdominal pain.

3. Loss of appetite:

   • Description: Decreased appetite or a sense of disgust for food.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have a loss of appetite.

4. Nausea and vomiting (nause and vomiting):

   • Description: Nausea and vomiting, especially after eating.

   • When to see a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have nausea and vomiting.

5. Blood in the chair (Blood in Stool):

   • Description: The presence of blood in a chair that can be dark brown or black (tar-shaped stool).

   • When to see a doctor: Take a doctor immediately if you find blood in a chair.

III. Additional symptoms and warnings (Additional Symptoms and Countions)

A. Increased lymph nodes (Swollen Lymph nodes):

1. Description: Increased lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits or groin. They can be painful or painless.
2. When to see a doctor: If you have increased lymph nodes that do not decrease within a few weeks, consult a doctor.

B. Inexplicable bleeding or bruises (UNEXPLAined BLEEDING OR Bruising):

1. Description: The light appearance of bruises or bleeding from the gums, nose or other parts of the body.
2. When to see a doctor: If you have inexplicable bleeding or bruising, consult a doctor.

C. Changes in the bladder or intestines (Changes in Bladder Or Bowel Habits):

1. Description: Constant changes in the work of the bladder or intestines, such as blood in the urine, constipation or diarrhea.
2. When to see a doctor: If you have changes in the work of the bladder or intestines, consult a doctor.

D. Vision Changs:

1. Description: Pretch of vision, double eyes or vision loss.
2. When to see a doctor: If you have visual impairment, consult a doctor.

E. Neurological symptoms.

1. Description: Headaches, convulsions, weakness or numbness in the limbs, changes in speech or consciousness.
2. When to see a doctor: If you have neurological symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

It is important to remember:

• This checklist is intended only for information purposes and should not be used for self-diagnosis.
• The presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have cancer.
• It is important to consult a doctor for examination and diagnosis.
• Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
• Regular medical examinations and screening tests are important for the prevention and early detection of cancer.

This detailed article provides a comprehensive overview of various cancer symptoms and their potential causes, categorized by general symptoms and location-specific symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice for any unexplained or persistent symptoms. The article avoids medical jargon where possible and uses clear language, making it accessible to a broad audience. The checklist format encourages self-assessment, while the cautions emphasize the limitations of self-diagnosis and the importance of professional medical evaluation. The repetition of “Когда обращаться к врачу” (When to see a doctor) reinforces the key takeaway message.