Symptoms of oncology: when to see a doctor
I. General information about oncology and the importance of timely diagnosis
Oncological diseases are a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and the spread of abnormal cells. These cells can form tumors that damage the surrounding tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize, that is, spread through the blood and lymphatic system to other parts of the body, forming secondary tumors.
The early detection of cancer is crucial for successful treatment. In the early stages, cancer is often more localized and is easier to treat, which increases the chances of recovery. Unfortunately, many types of cancer in the early stages are asymptomatic or manifested by non -specific symptoms, which complicates the timely diagnosis.
Therefore, it is important to know the main symptoms that can indicate oncological disease, and not ignore them. Early access to a doctor and the necessary examinations allow you to identify cancer at an early stage and begin timely treatment, which significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome.
II. General symptoms of oncological diseases
Some symptoms may indicate various types of cancer, so it is important to pay attention to their combination and duration. The following general symptoms require consultation with a doctor:
- Inexplicable weight loss: A sharp weight loss for no apparent reason, such as a diet or physical exercises, may be a sign of cancer. Weight loss by more than 5 kg in a short period of time (for example, several months) should cause anxiety.
- Constant fatigue: A feeling of fatigue, which does not pass after rest and is not connected with the physical or mental stress, can be a sign of cancer. This fatigue can be exhausting and influence everyday activity.
- Fever: Constant or recurrent fever, especially if it is not associated with infection, can be a symptom of cancer, especially leukemia or lymphoma.
- Night sweating: Abundant sweating at night, not related to the ambient temperature, can be a sign of cancer, especially lymphoma.
- Skin changes: The appearance of new moles or changes in existing ones, a change in skin color, itching, bleeding or ulceration of the skin can be signs of skin cancer.
- Pain: Constant pain, which does not pass after taking painkillers, may be a sign of cancer. The pain can be localized in a certain area of the body or be common.
- Changes in the work of the intestines or bladder: Long -term changes in the intestines, such as constipation, diarrhea or a change in the consistency of the stool, as well as changes in the work of the bladder, such as frequent urination, difficult urinating or blood in the urine, can be signs of cancer.
- Non -healing ulcers: Ulcers that do not heal for several weeks can be a sign of skin cancer or other types of cancer.
- Blood in a chair or urine: The detection of blood in a chair or urine always requires immediate consultation with a doctor, as this can be a sign of cancer of the colon, bladder or kidneys.
- Hoarse or coughing that do not pass: Constant hoarseness or coughing that do not pass for several weeks can be signs of lung cancer or larynx.
- Difficult swallowing: Difficult swallowing (dysphagia) may be a sign of esophagus or stomach cancer.
- Tumors or seals: The detection of tumors or seals in any part of the body, especially if they grow rapidly, requires consultation with a doctor.
III. Symptoms of cancer depending on localization
In addition to general symptoms, there are specific symptoms that may indicate cancer of a certain localization.
A. lung cancer:
- Permanent cough that does not pass or worsens
- Hemopral
- Pain in the chest
- Dyspnea
- Wheezing
- Repeating respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- Walking breathing
B. breast cancer:
- Tumor 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 breast, such as redness, edema or wrinkling
C. The colon and rectum cancer (colorectal cancer):
- Changes in the work of the intestine, such as constipation, diarrhea or change of stool consistency
- Blood in the chair
- Gathering from the rectum
- Abdominal pain
- Constant fatigue
- Inexplicable weight loss
- A feeling of incomplete bowel movement
D. Prostate cancer:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficult urination
- A weak stream of urine
- Pain during urination
- Blood in urine or sperm
- Back pain, hips or pelvis
E. skin cancer:
- The emergence of new moles or a change in existing
- Mole with uneven edges, asymmetric shape or uneven coloring
- A mole that bleeds, itchs or hurts
- Ulcer that does not heal
- Redness or swelling around a mole
F. Cervical Cancer:
- Bleeding between menstruation
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
G. Yaichnikov cancer:
- Abdominal
- Bloating
- Feeling of quick saturation during food
- Frequent urination
- Changes in the work of the intestine, such as constipation
- Fatigue
- Inexplicable weight loss
H. Gastric cancer:
- Permanent pain in the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling of quick saturation during food
- Blood in the chair
- Inexplicable weight loss
- Heartburn or disorder of the stomach
I. Pancreatic cancer:
- Abdominal pain that radiates into the back
- Loss of appetite
- Inexplicable weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white proteins)
- Dark urine
- Bright chair
- Diabetes
J. thyroid cancer:
- Tumor or seal in the neck
- Difficult swallowing
- Wheezing
- Pain in the neck
K. bladder cancer:
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Pain during urination
- A constant desire to urinate
L. leukemia (blood cancer):
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Frequent infections
- Bleeding or bruises for no reason
- Bone pain or joints
- Increase in the lymph nodes
- Night sweating
- Inexplicable weight loss
M. Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system):
- Increase in the lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits or groin)
- Fatigue
- Night sweating
- Inexplicable weight loss
- Itching of the skin
- Fever
N. Cancer Mozga:
- Headaches that intensify over time
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision changes, hearing or speech
- Weakness or numbness in the hands or legs
- Problems with equilibrium
- Convulsions
- Personality or behavior changes
IV. Risk factors for cancer
Some factors can increase the risk of cancer. Knowing these factors and taking measures to reduce them can help prevent cancer.
- Age: The risk of cancer is increased with age.
- Genetics: The presence of cancer in a family history increases the risk of cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for the development of lung cancer, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidneys, pancreas and other types of cancer.
- Alcohol: Excessive drinking of alcohol increases the risk of developing liver, breast, colon and other types of cancer.
- Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, colon, uterus, kidneys, esophagus and other types of cancer.
- Diet: A high fat diet and low fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of cancer.
- The effect of ultraviolet radiation: The effect of ultraviolet radiation from the sun or solarium increases the risk of skin cancer.
- The effect of certain chemicals: The impact of certain chemicals in the workplace or in the environment can increase the risk of cancer.
- Infections: Some infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C virus and Helicobacter pylori bacterium, increase the risk of cancer.
- Immunodeficiency: People with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- Radiation: The impact of radiation, for example, with radiation therapy, can increase the risk of cancer.
V. When to see a doctor
It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, especially if they persist for several weeks or worsen. Do not postpone the visit to the doctor, even if you think your symptoms are not serious. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
It is also recommended to regularly undergo preventive examinations and screening examinations for cancer, especially if you have risk factors for cancer. Screening examinations can help identify cancer at an early stage, when it is most treated.
VI. Diagnosis of cancer
Various methods are used to diagnose cancer, including:
- Physical examination: The doctor conducts a physical examination to identify any tumors, seals or other anomalies.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify signs of cancer, such as an increased level of certain proteins or cells.
- Visualizing research: Visualizing research, such as x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound examination (ultrasound), can help visualize tumors and evaluate their size and distribution.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken for research under a microscope. The biopsy is the most accurate way of cancer diagnosis.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end to examine the internal organs.
VII. Treatment of cancer
The treatment of cancer depends on the type of cancer, its stage and the general state of health of the patient. The main methods of cancer treatment include:
- Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is one of the main methods of cancer treatment.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high -energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Target therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that affect certain molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to combat cancer.
- Hormonal therapy: Hormone therapy is used to treat cancer, which depends on hormones, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
- Bone marrow transplantation: Bone marrow transplantation is used to treat blood cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
VIII. Prevention of cancer
Although not all types of cancer can be prevented, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Refusal of smoking: Refusal of smoking is one of the most important steps that you can take to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Moderate alcohol consumption: Limit alcohol consumption up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Healthy nutrition: Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit the consumption of fat, red meat and processed products.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of cancer.
- Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises can reduce the risk of cancer.
- Sun protection: Avoid excessive exposure to the sun and use a high SPF sunscreen.
- Vaccination: Vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus can reduce the risk of cancer.
- Regular preventive examinations and screening examinations: Regular preventive examinations and screening examinations can help identify cancer at an early stage when it is most treated.
IX. Psychological support of patients with oncological diseases
The diagnosis of cancer can be very traumatic and stressful for patients and their families. It is important to get psychological support in order to cope with the emotional and psychological consequences of cancer.
- Consultations: Consultations with a psychologist or psychotherapist can help patients cope with fear, anxiety, depression and other emotional problems.
- Support groups: Support groups allow patients to communicate with other people who go through similar experience.
- Religious support: Religious support can help patients find comfort and hope.
- Family support: Family support is crucial for patients with cancer.
X. Conclusion (please remember that the conclusion should not be included according to the task).
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…