Oncology symptoms: fatigue and weakness

Oncology and fatigue: a comprehensive guide for weakness as a symptom of cancer

Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms that can occur for various reasons, from simple lack of sleep to serious diseases. However, when fatigue becomes chronic, exhausting and does not pass after rest, it may indicate an oncological disease. It is important to understand how cancer causes fatigue, what symptoms accompany this fatigue, and when you should consult a doctor. This comprehensive guide considers fatigue and weakness in detail as symptoms of oncology, covering various aspects, from the mechanisms of occurrence to diagnostic and treatment methods.

I. Fatigue for cancer: Definition and characteristics

Fatigue associated with cancer (Cancer-RELEED FATIGUE, CRF) is an exhausting, prolonged and subjective fatigue that is felt by patients with cancer. It differs from ordinary fatigue that occurs after physical activity or lack of sleep. CRF is often described as:

• Comprehensive: It affects the physical, emotional and cognitive state.
• Exhausting: Reduces the ability to perform everyday tasks.
• Constant: Does not go away after rest or sleep.
• Disproportionate: It does not correspond to the level of activity.
• Subjective: It is evaluated by the patient himself.

Unlike ordinary fatigue, CRF is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Weakness
• Reducing concentration
• Memory problems
• Irritability
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Pain

II. Mechanisms for the occurrence of fatigue during cancer

Fatigue for cancer is a complex symptom that occurs as a result of the interaction of several factors associated with the disease itself, its treatment and the general condition of the body. The main mechanisms of CRF include:

1. Inflammation: Cancer causes chronic inflammation in the body, which releases cytokines (proteins that regulate the immune response). These cytokines can affect the brain, causing fatigue, depression and other cognitive disorders.
2. Anemia: Many types of cancer, especially bone marrow cancer and leukemia, can lead to a decrease in the level of red blood cells (anemia). Red blood cells tolerate oxygen to all tissues of the body, and their deficiency leads to fatigue and weakness.
3. Malnutrition: Cancer and its treatment can reduce appetite, cause nausea and vomiting, which leads to insufficient nutrition and deficiency of vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
4. Hormonal changes: Some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, and their treatment can affect the level of hormones, which can cause fatigue.
5. Side treatment effects: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical intervention often cause fatigue as a side effect. These treatment methods damage healthy cells, which leads to inflammation, anemia and other factors that cause fatigue.
6. Psychological factors: Anxiety, depression and stress associated with the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment can significantly increase fatigue.
7. Sleep violation: Pain, nausea, anxiety and other symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment can disrupt sleep, which leads to fatigue.
8. Metabolism changes: Cancer can change the body’s metabolism, affecting how the body uses energy, which leads to fatigue.
9. Muscle damage: Some types of cancer and their treatment can cause muscle damage, which leads to weakness and fatigue.

III. Types of cancer associated with fatigue

Fatigue can be a symptom of many types of cancer, but some types of cancer are more often associated with this symptom, including:

• Leukemia: Blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and causes anemia.
• Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system.
• Multiple myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
• Lung cancer: Especially with the progression of the disease.
• Tolstoy Cancer: It can cause anemia due to bleeding.
• Breast cancer: Especially during and after treatment.
• Prostate cancer: Especially during and after hormonal therapy.
• Ovary cancer: It is often accompanied by fatigue and bloating.
• Pancreatic cancer: It can cause digestive violation and weight loss, which leads to fatigue.

IV. Concomitant symptoms of tiredness with cancer

Fatigue for cancer rarely occurs in isolation. It is often accompanied by other symptoms that can help the doctor determine the cause of fatigue and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The most common concomitant symptoms include:

• Weakness: A common sense of lack of energy and strength.
• Reduced concentration: Problems with concentration, memorization and making decisions.
• Memory problems: Forgetfulness and difficulties with recalling information.
• Irritability: Increased sensitivity and tendency to outbreaks of anger.
• Depression: A sense of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in life.
• Insomnia: Difficulties with falling asleep or maintenance of sleep.
• Pain: Chronic pain can increase fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting: They can lead to dehydration and insufficient nutrition, aggravating fatigue.
• Loss of appetite: Reducing interest in food and the inability to eat enough food.
• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss.
• Dyspnea: Difficult breathing, especially with physical exertion.
• Dizziness: A feeling of instability and loss of balance.
• Headaches: Can be caused by various factors associated with cancer and its treatment.

V. Diagnostics of tiredness for cancer

Diagnosis of fatigue for cancer requires an integrated approach, including:

1. A history of anamnesis: The doctor will ask questions about the nature of fatigue, its duration, accompanying symptoms and influence on everyday life. It is important to inform the doctor about all the drugs that you take, including prescription and over -the -counter drugs, as well as food supplements.

2. Physical examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination to identify signs of cancer or other diseases that can cause fatigue.

3. Laboratory tests:

   • General blood test: To identify anemia, infection and other disorders.
   • Biochemical blood test: To assess the function of the liver, kidneys and other organs.
   • Urine analysis: To detect urinary tract infection and other kidney diseases.
   • Analysis for thyroid hormones: To exclude hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
   • Analysis for vitamin D level: Vitamin D deficiency can cause fatigue.

4. Instrumental research methods:

   • Radiography: To identify tumors in the lungs and other organs.
   • Computed tomography (CT): To obtain more detailed images of internal organs.
   • Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): For visualization of soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord and muscles.
   • Positron emission tomography (PET): To identify metabolically active tumors.
   • Biopsy: To confirm the diagnosis of cancer and determine its type.

5. Assessment of the level of fatigue: For a quantitative assessment of the level of fatigue, special questionnaires and scales are used, such as:

   • Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) fatigue scope
   • Brief scale of tiredness (Brief Fatigue Inventory, Bfi)
   • Multidimensional scope of tired

VI. Treatment of fatigue for cancer

Treatment of fatigue for cancer is aimed at eliminating the cause of fatigue, alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life of the patient. Treatment methods may include:

1. Cancer treatment: Effective treatment of cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgical intervention, can reduce or eliminate fatigue caused by the disease itself.

2. Anemia treatment: If fatigue is caused by anemia, iron preparations or blood transfusion can be prescribed. In some cases, drugs that stimulate the production of red blood cells (erythropoetin) can be used.

3. Medication:

   • Stimulants: Some stimulants, such as methylphenide, can help reduce fatigue, but they should be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
   • Antidepressants: If fatigue is associated with depression, antidepressants can be prescribed.
   • Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroids can help reduce fatigue, but they have significant side effects and should be used shortly.

4. Non -drug treatment methods:

   • Exercise: Regular physical exercises, such as walking, swimming or yoga, can help reduce fatigue and improve the overall state of health. It is important to start with moderate loads and gradually increase the intensity and duration of training.
   • Balanced nutrition: Proper nutrition with a sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals, can help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. Consultation with a nutritionist to develop an individual food plan is recommended.
   • Sufficient sleep: Providing enough sleep (7-8 hours a day) can help reduce fatigue. It is important to create comfortable conditions for sleep, observe sleep and wakefulness, avoid the use of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
   • Psychological support: Psychotherapy, consultations and support groups can help cope with anxiety, depression and stress associated with cancer and its treatment, which can reduce fatigue.
   • Relaxation techniques: Relaxation methods, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing, can help reduce stress and improve sleep, which can reduce fatigue.
   • Acupuncture: Some studies show that acupuncture can help reduce fatigue for cancer.
   • Massage: Massage can help relax muscles, improve blood circulation and reduce fatigue.
   • Additional and alternative treatment methods: Some patients use additional and alternative treatment methods, such as herbal medicine and aromatherapy, to reduce fatigue. It is important to discuss the use of these methods with a doctor in order to avoid interaction with other drugs and side effects.

VII. Office of fatigue in everyday life

In addition to medical treatment, patients can take a number of measures to manage fatigue in everyday life:

1. Planning and priorities: Determine the most important tasks and plan their implementation during periods when you have more energy. Divide large tasks into smaller ones and perform them gradually.
2. Rest and breaks: Take regular breaks during work or performing other tasks to relax and restore strength.
3. Task delegation: Ask for help from friends, family or colleagues in completing tasks that you cannot complete yourself.
4. Avoiding stress: Try to avoid stressful situations and use relaxation methods to reduce stress.
5. Sleep optimization: Create comfortable sleeping conditions, observe sleep and wakefulness, avoid the use of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
6. Healthy nutrition: Eat in a balanced, use a sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals.
7. Maintaining water balance: Drink enough water during the day to avoid dehydration.
8. Regular physical exercises: Perform regular physical exercises adapted to your energy level and physical condition.
9. Support: Support for your friends, family, psychologist or support group.
10. Keep a diary of fatigue: Write down when you feel fatigue, what you did at this time and what factors could affect your fatigue. This will help you and your doctor determine the causes of your fatigue and develop an effective treatment plan.

VIII. When to consult a doctor

It is important to consult a doctor if you experience inexplicable fatigue, which:

• Lasts more than two weeks
• Does not go away after rest
• Interferes with the performance of everyday tasks
• It is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weakness, reducing concentration of attention, memory problems, irritability, depression, insomnia, pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss.

The doctor will conduct an examination to determine the cause of your fatigue and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

IX. Studies in the field of fatigue for cancer

Constant studies are conducted aimed at a better understanding of the mechanisms of fatigue during cancer and the development of more effective treatment methods. The main areas of research include:

• Identification of biomarkers of fatigue: The search for biological indicators that could help in diagnosis and monitoring of fatigue.
• Development of new drugs: The study of new drugs aimed at reducing inflammation, improving energy metabolism and a decrease in fatigue.
• Assessment of the effectiveness of non -drug treatment methods: Conducting clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercises, nutrition, psychological support and other non -drug methods of treatment of fatigue.
• Study of genetic factors: Identification of genetic factors that can be predisposed to fatigue in cancer.
• Development of personalized approaches to treatment: Development of individual fatigue treatment plans based on unique needs and characteristics of each patient.

X. Conclusion

Fatigue and weakness are common and exhausting symptoms of cancer, which can significantly worsen the quality of life of patients. It is important to understand that fatigue for cancer differs from ordinary fatigue and requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. Patients must inform the doctor about their fatigue and other symptoms in order to receive proper medical care. Effective treatment of cancer, treatment of concomitant diseases, medical and non -medical treatment, as well as measures to manage fatigue in everyday life, can help reduce fatigue and improve the quality of life of patients with cancer. Continuing studies in the field of tiredness with cancer are aimed at developing more effective treatment methods and improving the results for patients.