Oncology symptoms: the most common symptoms

Oncology symptoms: the most common symptoms

Oncological diseases, or cancer, are a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and the spread of abnormal cells. Early detection of cancer is crucial for successful treatment and increasing the chances of survival. However, the symptoms of cancer are often non -specific and can be caused by many other, less serious conditions. Understanding the most common symptoms of oncology, however, allows people to be vigilant and seek medical help when suspicious changes in the body appear.

This article is devoted to a detailed examination of the most common symptoms that may indicate the presence of cancer. It is important to emphasize that the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Nevertheless, if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are preserved or worsen, you must consult a doctor to examine and establish an accurate diagnosis.

I. General symptoms that can indicate cancer:

These symptoms are not associated with a specific organ or system and can be caused by various types of cancer, as well as other diseases.

• 1. Inexplicable weight loss: Weight loss without any changes in a diet or physical activity may be a sign of cancer. Significant weight loss, especially more than 5 kg in a short period of time (for example, several weeks or months), should be a cause for concern. Cancer can lead to weight loss, influencing metabolism, reducing appetite or making it difficult to absorb nutrients. Some types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer and esophagus cancer are especially often associated with weight loss. However, weight loss can also be caused by other conditions such as hyperthyroidism, depression or infection.

  • Mechanisms that cause weight loss in cancer:

    • Cytokine production: Cancer cells emit cytokines, such as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which can cause inflammation and reduction of appetite.
    • Metabolism changes: Cancer can change the body’s metabolism, increasing the need for energy and reducing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
    • Lactate production: Cancer cells often use glycolysis to produce energy, producing lactate as a by -product. Lactate can lead to weight loss and muscle mass.
    • Anorexia: Cancer can cause anorexia, that is, the loss of appetite, which leads to a decrease in calories consumption and, therefore, to weight loss.
    • Kahexi syndrome: Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by the loss of muscle mass, adipose tissue and appetite. It is often found in patients with cancer and can significantly worsen the quality of life and forecast.

  • When to consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you experience inexplicable weight loss, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, fever or changes in the intestines.

• 2. Fatigue: Fatigue that does not pass after rest is a common symptom of cancer. This is not the usual fatigue that you can experience after a hard day. Fatigue associated with cancer is usually described as exhausting and not amenable to relief with sleep or rest. It can be caused by various factors, including the effect of cancer on the body, side effects of treatment (for example, chemotherapy or radiation therapy) and other conditions such as anemia or depression.

  • Causes of fatigue for cancer:

    • Anemia: Cancer can lead to anemia, that is, a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
    • Cytokines: As in the case of weight loss, cytokines produced by cancer cells can contribute to fatigue.
    • Hormonal changes: Some types of cancer can affect hormones, which can cause fatigue.
    • Pain: Chronic pain associated with cancer can lead to fatigue.
    • Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other methods of cancer treatment can cause fatigue.

  • When to consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you experience constant fatigue that interferes with your daily activities and does not pass after rest.

• 3. Factory: Constant fever or night sweating that is not associated with infection may be a sign of cancer. Cancer can affect the immune system and cause inflammation, which leads to fever. Some types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, are more often associated with fever.

  • Mechanisms that cause fever for cancer:

    • Pirogens production: Cancer cells can produce pyrogen, substances that cause an increase in body temperature.
    • Inflammation: Cancer can cause inflammation, which can also lead to fever.
    • Infections: A weakened immune system in patients with cancer can make them more susceptible to infections that can cause fever.

  • When to consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you have constant fever or night sweating that are not related to infection.

• 4. Pain: Constant pain, which does not pass after taking painkillers, may be a sign of cancer. The pain can be caused by tumor growth, nerves or organs, or cancer metastases in the bone.

  • Types of pain associated with cancer:

    • It’s a dull pain: Dumb, constant pain.
    • Acute pain: Sudden, intense pain.
    • Neuropathic pain: Pain caused by damage to the nerves.
    • Bone pain: The pain caused by cancer metastases in the bone.

  • When to consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you experience constant pain that does not pass after taking painkillers or which worsens over time.

• 5. Changes in the skin: Changes in the skin, such as new moles, changes in existing moles or non -healing ulcers, can be signs of skin cancer. You should also pay attention to changes in skin color, itching or bleeding.

  • Types of skin cancer:

    • Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer usually appears as a small, pearl bump or flat, red spot.
    • Flat cell carcinoma: It can appear as a hard, red knot or a flat spot with a scaly crust.
    • Melanoma: The most dangerous type of skin cancer often begins as a mole that changes size, shape or color.

  • ABCDE rule for identifying melanoma:

    • A (Asymmetry): Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not correspond to the other.
    • B (Border): Uneven boundaries. The edges of the moles are uneven, seized or blurry.
    • C (Color): Color change. The mole has several colors or uneven coloring.
    • D (Diameter): Diameter. Mole is more than 6 mm (about 1/4 inches) in diameter.
    • E (Evolving): Evolution. The mole changes in size, shape, color or height.

  • When to consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you notice any skin changes, such as new moles, a change in existing moles or non-healing ulcers.

II. Symptoms associated with specific types of cancer:

These symptoms are more specific and can indicate cancer of a particular organ or system.

• 1. Breast cancer:

  • Bump in the chest: The most common symptom of breast cancer. The bump can be solid or soft, painful or painless.

  • Changes in the skin of the chest: Skin retraction, redness, edema or ulcers on the skin of the chest.

  • Object changes: Fleet of the nipple, discharge from the nipple (especially bloody).

  • Pain in the chest: Although chest pain is less commonly symptom of breast cancer, it can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.

  • The importance of self -examination of the mammary gland: Regular self -examination of the mammary gland allows women to know their breasts better and notice any changes that can occur.

  • When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor if you notice any changes in the chest, such as a bump, skin change or discharge from the nipple.

• 2. Lung cancer:

  • Permanent cough: A cough that does not pass or worsens over time.

  • Blood in sputum: Expecting blood during coughing.

  • Dyspnea: Difficult breathing.

  • Pain in the chest: Pain in the chest, which intensifies with coughing or deep breathing.

  • Hoarse voice: Voice change.

  • Repeating lung infections: Frequent cases of bronchitis or pneumonia.

  • Lung cancer risk factors: Smoking, the impact of radon, asbestos and other carcinogens.

  • When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have a constant cough, blood in sputum, shortness of breath or chest pain.

• 3. The cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer):

  • Changes in the work of the intestine: Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in the consistency of the chair.

  • Blood in the chair: Blood in the chair (bright red or dark).

  • Rectal bleeding: Bleeding from the rectum.

  • Constant discomfort in the abdomen: Spasms, bloating or pain.

  • Feeling of incomplete bowel movements: The feeling that the intestines are not completely empty after defecation.

  • The importance of screening for colorectal cancer: Regular screening can identify polyps of the colon that can develop into cancer, or identify cancer at an early stage, when it is more cured.

  • When to consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you have any changes in the work of the intestines, blood in a chair or constant discomfort in the abdomen.

• 4. Prostate cancer:

  • Frequent urination: Especially at night.

  • Difficult urination: Weak or intermittent stream of urine.

  • Pain during urination: Desuria.

  • Blood in the urine or sperm: Hematuria or hemospermia.

  • Back pain, hips or pelvis: In the later stages of prostate cancer.

  • Prostate cancer risk factors: Age, race (African Americans have a higher risk), family history.

  • When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have any problems with urination or pain in the back, hips or pelvis.

• 5. Uterine cancer (endometrium):

  • Anomalous vaginal bleeding: Bleeding between menstruation, after menopause or abundant menstrual bleeding.

  • Vaginal discharge: Watery or bloody discharge.

  • Pain in the basin: Pain in the lower abdomen.

  • Uterine cancer risk factors: Obesity, late menopause, infertility, intake of tamoxifen.

  • When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge.

• 6. Ovarian cancer:

  • Bloating: Constant bloating.

  • Abdominal pain or pelvis: Pain in the lower abdomen.

  • Feeling of quick saturation when eating: Early saturation.

  • Frequent urination: Far -hearted urination.

  • Changes in the work of the intestine: Constipation or diarrhea.

  • Fatigue: Excessive fatigue.

  • The difficulty of early diagnosis of ovarian cancer: The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often non -specific and can be caused by other, less serious conditions, which complicates early diagnosis.

  • When to consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you have constant bloating, abdominal pain or pelvis, a feeling of quick saturation when eating or frequent urination.

• 7. Leukemia (blood cancer):

  • Fatigue: Excessive fatigue.

  • Fever: Constant fever or night sweating.

  • Frequent infections: Repeating infections.

  • Easy bruises or bleeding: Petechia (small red spots on the skin), bleeding from the nose or gums.

  • Bone pain or joints: Bone pain or joints.

  • Increased lymph nodes: An increase in lymph nodes (for example, in the neck, armpits or groin).

  • Types of leukemia: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Oll), acute myeloblastic leukemia (OML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (HLL), chronic myeloid leukemia (KhML).

  • When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easily occurring bruises or bleeding, pain in bones or joints or an increase in lymph nodes.

• 8. Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system):

  • Increased lymph nodes: An increase in lymph nodes (for example, in the neck, armpits or groin).

  • Fever: Constant fever or night sweating.

  • Fatigue: Excessive fatigue.

  • Weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.

  • Itching of the skin: Strong itching of the skin.

  • Types of lymphoma: Lymphoma Hodgina and non -Hodder lymphoma.

  • When to consult a doctor: Contact the doctor if you have an increase in lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, weight loss or itching of the skin.

• 9. Pancreatic cancer:

  • Abdominal pain: Pain in the upper abdomen, which can spread in the back.

  • Weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.

  • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and white proteins.

  • Dark urine color: Urine becomes darker than usual.

  • Light chair: The chair becomes lighter than usual.

  • Diabetes sugar: Sudden development of diabetes.

  • The difficulty of early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often non -specific and can be caused by other conditions, which complicates early diagnosis.

  • When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, dark urine color, light stool or sudden development of diabetes.

• 10. Gastric cancer:

  • Dyspepsia: Disorder of the stomach, heartburn.

  • Abdominal pain: Pain in the upper abdomen.

  • Nausea and vomiting: Frequent nausea and vomiting.

  • Feeling of quick saturation when eating: Early saturation.

  • Weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.

  • Blood in the chair: Blood in the chair (dark, tar).

  • Stomach risk factors: Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, a high content of salted, smoked or pickled products.

  • When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have a dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, a feeling of quick saturation when eating, weight loss or blood in a chair.

• 11. Cancer of the esophagus:

  • Dysphagia: Difficult swallowing.

  • Weight loss: Inexplicable weight loss.

  • Pain in the chest: Pain in the chest.

  • Heartburn: Heartburn.

  • Cough or hoarseness: Cough or hoarseness.

  • Risk factors for esophagus cancer: Smoking, alcohol consumption, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB), Barrett’s esophagus.

  • When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor if you have difficulty swallowing, weight loss, chest pain, heartburn, cough or hoarse.

III. The importance of early diagnosis and prevention:

Early diagnosis of cancer plays a decisive role in increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. Regular medical examinations, screening and self -examination help to identify cancer in the early stages when it is more treated.

• Cancer screening: Cancer screening includes tests for detecting cancer in people who have no symptoms. Recommended screening tests vary depending on age, gender and risk factors.

  • Examples of screening tests: Mammography for breast cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, papa test for cervical cancer, psa test for prostate cancer.

• Cancer prevention: Cancer prevention includes measures to reduce the risk of cancer.

  • Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining healthy weight, regular physical exercises, healthy nutrition, rejection of smoking and moderate drinking.
  • Vaccination: Vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV) for the prevention of cervical cancer, anal canal cancer, oria cancer and other types of cancer.
  • Avoiding exposure to carcinogens: Avoiding the effects of carcinogens, such as asbestos, radon and ultraviolet radiation.
  • Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations for the identification and treatment of precancerous conditions.

IV. What to do if you suspect cancer:

If you experience any of the above symptoms, especially if they are preserved or worsen, you must consult a doctor to examine. The doctor will conduct an examination, collect the anamnesis and prescribe the necessary diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, x -rays, CT, MRI or biopsy.

• Do not panic: The presence of symptoms that can indicate cancer does not mean that you must have cancer. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other, less serious conditions.
• Consult a doctor: Contact the doctor as soon as possible to undergo an examination and establish an accurate diagnosis.
• Be open and honest with the doctor: Tell the doctor about all your symptoms, as well as about your medical history and the history of your family.
• Ask questions: Feel free to ask the doctor questions about your symptoms, about possible causes and the necessary diagnostic tests.
• Follow the doctor’s recommendations: Follow the doctor’s recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.

Remember that the early detection of cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Do not ignore suspicious symptoms and seek medical help if necessary. Knowing the symptoms of oncology can help you be vigilant and take an active part in your health.

This detailed article provides a comprehensive overview of the most common symptoms associated with cancer. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and encourages readers to seek medical attention if they experience any concerning changes in their bodies. The article is well-structured, informative, and written in a clear and accessible style. The inclusion of specific examples and detailed explanations makes it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to learn more about the signs and symptoms of cancer.