Content
What horror a person experiences when he is given this dangerous diagnosis! But the situation does not always end tragically. If signs of cancer are detected at the first stage of damage to the body, oncological diseases can be treated. What symptoms help to suspect malignant neoplasms, how they differ in men and women, with various types of pathologies - information, useful to people any age.
What is cancer
This disease is one of the most dangerous - it develops quickly and often ends in death. Cancer is an oncological pathology in which there is uncontrolled growth of cells that form a malignant tumor. Taking into account the stage of development:
- on the first stage a cure is possible;
- the second differs in distribution cancer cells into neighboring organs, eliminated with timely diagnosis;
- the third and fourth have a low survival rate due to rapid metastases throughout the body.
Cancer develops from the epithelium; the disease can begin in any human organ. Due to metabolic disorders:
- new cells acquire unusual functions;
- tissues cease to form correctly;
- require additional energy for growth;
- affect healthy tissues of the body, destroying them;
- invade blood vessels, lymphatic channels and spread throughout the body - metastasize.
How to detect
To achieve a positive treatment result, it is important to promptly identify the beginning of the process and engage in cancer prevention. Signs of oncology in the body can be detected during medical examinations, with mandatory mammography, fluorography, and urine and stool tests. The onset of the disease is determined by the results of a blood test when, for no apparent reason, the following is detected:
- acceleration of ESR;
- decreased hemoglobin levels;
- changes in thyroid, sex, and adrenal hormones;
- increased calcium levels in kidney cancer.
When there is a targeted detection of a tumor, use:
- tests for tumor markers;
- cytological examination of cells;
- tissue histology - cancer is differentiated;
- computed tomography - reveals the size and shape of the tumor;
- ultrasound examination - changes in tissue density are observed;
- magnetic resonance imaging – small tumors and metastases throughout the body are determined;
- endoscopic methods - reveal the picture near the lesion.
How does cancer manifest?
In the initial stages, the symptoms of cancer are often indistinguishable from other diseases or do not appear at all. This leads to late initiation of treatment and reduced effectiveness of results. As cancer progresses, signs of infection appear different. Symptoms of malignant tumors depend on:
- gender, age of the patient;
- concomitant diseases;
- stage of cancer;
- tumor structures;
- cancer localization;
- growth rate.
In addition to the general signs characteristic of any type of oncology, the following are observed in the case of cancer:
- brain - impaired memory, attention, seizures;
- skin - depending on the type and shape - ulcers, penetration of cancer into the deep layers;
- lungs – shortness of breath, cough with purulent sputum;
- liver – development of jaundice;
- organs of the genitourinary system - blood in the urine, problems urinating;
- stomach - difficulties in digestion, stool disorders.
General symptoms
It is important to know the common signs of cancer. This will help you consult a doctor in a timely manner, begin examination, and initial treatment of the patient. Symptoms indicate cancer:
- sudden, causeless weight loss;
- fever, increased temperature, – reaction immune system, activation of forces to fight the disease, appears in the final stages.
The main signs of cancer include:
- deterioration of health;
- gradual increase in weakness;
- increased fatigue;
- nausea;
- the occurrence of pain is possible at all stages of cancer;
- changes in the skin - the appearance of urticaria, erythema, jaundice, with skin melanoma - increased pigmentation, the formation of warts, a change in their color;
- deterioration of hair quality;
- feeling of discomfort in the affected organ;
- the appearance of compactions, tumors.
First signs
It is very important not to miss the first symptoms of cancer. A dangerous disease detected in the early stages is successfully treated and provides a high survival rate. You can learn about your risk of cancer by looking at the common symptoms of cancer. The first signs of the presence of malignant neoplasms have characteristic features depending on:
- localization of the cancerous tumor;
- damage to female organs;
- manifestations of the disease in men;
- development of pathology in children.
The first signs of cancer in women
The female genital organs are often affected by cancerous tumors, which is associated with the developmental characteristics of the body. Other localizations of malignant neoplasms cannot be excluded. The first signs of a tumor in the female body:
- bleeding during menopause;
- spotting discharge after sexual intercourse;
- heavy, prolonged menstruation;
- change in the shape of the mammary gland;
- discharge from the nipple.
Oncological diseases in women cause symptoms:
- bleeding between periods;
- soreness in the ovarian area;
- watery discharge with ichor due to cancer of the inner wall of the uterus;
- lumps in the chest;
- nipple retraction;
- discomfort in the labia area;
- urine leakage;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- blood in stool;
- urinary disorders;
- increase in abdominal size;
- bleeding from the rectum.
The first signs of cancer in men
In addition to common oncological diseases, cancer of the genitourinary system is not uncommon for men. Frequent smoking leads to the appearance of malignant tumors of the larynx and lungs. Signs of cancer in men include:
- urinary incontinence;
- back pain is a signal of a prostate tumor;
- rectal bleeding;
- inability to urinate;
- change in the consistency of stool;
- blood in urine;
- sharp pain in the abdomen;
- lumps in the chest;
- lumps in the testicles;
- cough with blood, mucus, pus.
In children
The onset of cancer in a child can be marked by signs of intoxication of the body - loss of appetite, vomiting, headaches, pale skin. With the development of cancer in children, tearfulness, moodiness, nightmares, and fears often appear. Depending on the type of pathology, the following are observed:
- with leukemia – nosebleeds, aching joints, enlarged liver;
- with brain tumors – loss of coordination, convulsions, loss of consciousness;
- in the case of osteosarcoma – night pain in the joints;
- with eye cancer - blurred vision, hemorrhages.
Back pain due to cancer
Often, especially in the later stages of cancer development, there are painful sensations in the back area. Symptoms occur in the form of spasms and are aching and tingling in nature. Pain in the lumbar region is observed with ovarian cancer and prostate tumors. Such signs of neoplasms in cancer patients appear as a result of the presence of metastases that have affected the spine. This is typical for the development of:
- stomach cancer, when the process has invaded the pancreas;
- tumors in the lungs;
- lumbar spine cancer;
- malignant neoplasm in the mammary gland.
Temperature
Common symptoms of cancer include changes in temperature. This symptom manifests itself differently as the tumor grows. The rise in temperature is facilitated by the activation of the immune system, which tries to fight foreign cells. In the last stages of the disease, for many types of cancer it can be very high. At early stage development, a low-grade fever is observed, which lasts for a long time, sometimes up to several weeks, and does not exceed 38 degrees. These signs are typical for the appearance of:
- lymphocytic leukemia;
- lymphomas;
- lymphosarcoma.
Dramatic weight loss
Often, in a short period of time, a cancer patient changes his appearance, looks so that he does not look like his photo six months ago. Dramatic weight loss - up to 5 kg per month - is a serious reason to consult a doctor. This is one of the earliest and most striking signs of oncology. Weight loss due to cancer is explained by:
- production by the tumor of substances that disrupt metabolic processes;
- psychological stress that deprives you of appetite;
- influence of chemotherapy.
A cancer patient quickly loses weight, which is associated with:
- poisoning of the body with metabolic products of cancer cells;
- the need for large amounts of nutrients for tumor growth and metastases;
- disruption of food intake and digestion due to esophageal cancer, gastrointestinal tumors;
- radiation therapy of the head area, in which taste and smell are impaired, and an aversion to food appears;
- removal of part of the stomach and intestines.
Cough
This sign characterizes oncology of the tissues of the lung and bronchi. Cough changes greatly as the cancer progresses. This symptom is distinguished by:
- on initial stage persistent dry cough;
- as the tumor grows, a small amount of clear sputum is formed;
- with further increase in size, the vessels are damaged and blood appears;
- gradually the sputum becomes purulent, profuse, with an unpleasant odor;
- when blood vessels are affected, it looks like raspberry jelly;
- With the destruction of the arteries when coughing, pulmonary hemorrhage begins.
Weakness and sweating
With the development of a cancerous tumor, it is not uncommon to experience sweating and muscle weakness. With these signs, the body gives a signal about the appearance of serious problems. When the lymphatic system, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland are damaged, hormonal disruptions occur, leading to increased sweating. The causes of weakness during the development of cancer are:
- blood poisoning by waste products of aggressive cells;
- anemia due to damage to blood vessels;
- inability to properly digest food due to gastrointestinal pathologies;
- interception of nutrition by malignant cells from healthy ones.
Atypical symptoms
There are signs of cancer that are similar to symptoms of other diseases. To be on the safe side, if they are identified, it is better to contact specialists to clarify the diagnosis. Atypical signs of cancer:
- mouth ulcers;
- frequent infections;
- painful cough;
- feeling of overcrowding Bladder;
- skin signs - changes in the size and color of warts;
- unexplained discharge of blood and pus;
- severe migraine;
- smell from the mouth;
- exacerbation of stomach ulcers;
- problems with swallowing;
- causeless swelling;
- sore throat;
- hoarseness of voice.
Symptoms of cancer of different organs
There are signs of oncology that are characteristic of certain organs. For example, pancreatic or prostate tumors have their own characteristics. Signs of pathology are observed:
|
Symptoms |
||
|
Breast cancer |
mastitis-like |
breast density, swelling, redness |
|
Paget's cancer |
nipple ulceration |
|
|
Colon tumor |
bleeding, bowel dysfunction |
|
|
Cervical cancer |
bleeding from the genital tract |
|
|
Lung tumor |
hemoptysis, shortness of breath, purulent sputum |
|
|
squamous |
damage to deep layers of skin |
Video
Update: December 2018
In modern oncology, early diagnosis of the tumor process plays a huge role. The further survival and quality of life of patients depends on this. Oncological alertness is very important, since cancer can manifest itself in the final stages or disguise its symptoms as other diseases.
Risk groups for developing malignant neoplasms
There are many theories about the development of cancer, but none of them gives a detailed answer as to why it still occurs. Doctors can only assume that one or another factor accelerates carcinogenesis (the growth of tumor cells).
Cancer risk factors:
- Racial and ethnic predisposition– German scientists have established a trend: melanoma occurs in white-skinned people 5 times more often than in black people.
- Diet violation– a person’s diet must be balanced; any shift in the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates can lead to metabolic disorders, and as a consequence to the occurrence of malignant neoplasms. For example, scientists have proven that excessive consumption of foods that increase cholesterol leads to the development of lung cancer, and excessive intake of easily digestible carbohydrates increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Also, the abundance of chemical additives in food (flavor enhancers, preservatives, nitrates, etc.), genetically modified products increase the risk.
- Obesity - according to American studies, excess body weight increases the risk of cancer by 55% in women and 45% in men.
- Smoking - WHO doctors have proven that there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between smoking and cancer (lips, tongue, oropharynx, bronchi, lungs). A study was conducted in the UK that showed that people who smoke 1.5-2 packs of cigarettes per day are 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers.
- Heredity– There are certain types of cancer that are inherited in an autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant manner, for example, ovarian cancer or familial intestinal polyposis.
- Exposure to ionizing radiation and ultraviolet rays – ionizing radiation of natural and industrial origin causes activation of pro-oncogenes of thyroid cancer, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays during insolation (tanning) contributes to the development of malignant melanoma of the skin.
- Immune disorders– decreased activity of the immune system (primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, iatrogenic immunosuppression) leads to the development of tumor cells.
- Professional activity– this category includes people who come into contact with chemical carcinogens (resins, dyes, soot, heavy metals, aromatic carbohydrates, asbestos, sand) and electromagnetic radiation during their work activities.
- Features of reproductive age in women– early first menstruation (under 14 years of age) and late menopause (over 55 years of age) increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer by 5 times. At the same time, pregnancy and childbirth reduce the tendency of the appearance of neoplasms of the reproductive organs
Symptoms that may be signs of cancer
- Long-term non-healing wounds, fistulas
- Discharge, ribbon-shaped stool. Impaired bladder and bowel function.
- Deformation of the mammary glands, swelling of other parts of the body.
- Sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing.
- Changes in the color and shape of moles or birthmarks
- Frequent or unusual discharge in women.
- , not amenable to therapy, .
General principles for diagnosing malignant neoplasms
After visiting a doctor, the patient should receive full information about what tests indicate cancer. It is impossible to determine oncology using a blood test; it is nonspecific in relation to neoplasms. Clinical and biochemical studies are aimed primarily at determining the patient’s condition during tumor intoxication and studying the functioning of organs and systems.
A general blood test for oncology reveals:
- leukopenia or (increased or decreased white blood cells)
- shift of the leukocyte formula to the left
- anemia()
- (low platelets)
- (a constantly high ESR of more than 30 in the absence of serious complaints is a reason to sound the alarm)
A general urine test in oncology can be quite informative; for example, in case of multiple myeloma, a specific Bence-Jones protein is detected in the urine. A biochemical blood test allows you to judge the state of the urinary system, liver and protein metabolism.
Changes in biochemical analysis indicators for various neoplasms:
| Index | Result | Note |
it is possible to either exceed or decrease it |
Neoplasms usually enhance catabolic processes and protein breakdown, and nonspecifically inhibit protein synthesis. | |
| hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, detection of paraprotein (M-gradient) in blood serum | Such indicators allow one to suspect myeloma (malignant plasmacytoma). | |
| Urea, creatinine |
Increased levels of urea and creatinine |
This indicates increased protein breakdown, an indirect sign of cancer intoxication, or a nonspecific decrease in kidney function |
| Increased urea with normal creatinine | Indicates the disintegration of tumor tissue. | |
| Alkaline phosphatase |
Increase in alkaline phosphatase over 270 U/l |
Indicates the presence of metastases in the liver, bone tissue, osteogenic sarcoma. |
| An increase in the enzyme against the background of normal AST and ALT levels | Also, embryonal tumors of the ovaries, uterus, and testicles can cause ectopic placental alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme. | |
| ALT, AST |
Elevation of enzymes above the upper limit of normal |
Indicates nonspecific breakdown of liver cells (hepatocytes), which can be caused by both inflammatory and cancer processes. |
| Cholesterol |
The decrease in the indicator is less than the lower limit of normal |
Speaks of malignant liver tumors (since cholesterol is formed in the liver) |
| Potassium |
Increased electrolyte levels with normal Na levels |
Indicative of cancer cachexia |
A blood test for oncology also involves examining the hemostasis system. Due to the release of tumor cells and their fragments into the blood, it is possible to increase blood clotting (hypercoagulation) and microthrombosis, which impede the movement of blood through the vascular bed.
In addition to tests to determine cancer, there are a number of instrumental studies that help diagnose malignant neoplasms:
- Survey radiography in frontal and lateral projection
- Contrast radiography (irrigography, hysterosalpingography)
- Computed tomography (with and without contrast)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (with and without contrast)
- Radionuclide method
- Ultrasound examination with Dopplerography
- Endoscopic examination (fibrogastroscopy, bronchoscopy).
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is the second most common tumor among the population (after lung cancer).
- Fibroesophageal gastroduodenoscopy is the golden method for diagnosing stomach cancer and is necessarily accompanied by big amount biopsies in different areas of the tumor and unchanged gastric mucosa.
- X-ray of the stomach using oral contrast (barium mixture) - a method that was quite popular before the introduction of endoscopes into practice, allows you to see a filling defect in the stomach on an X-ray.
- Ultrasound examination of organs abdominal cavity, CT, MRI - used to search for metastases in lymph nodes and other organs digestive system(liver, spleen).
- Immunological blood test - shows stomach cancer in the early stages, when the tumor itself is not yet noticeable to human eye(SA 72-4, REA and others)
Diagnosis of colon cancer
- Digital examination of the rectum - detects cancer at a distance of 9-11 cm from the anus, allows you to assess the mobility of the tumor, its elasticity, and the condition of neighboring tissues;
- Colonoscopy - insertion of a video endoscope into the rectum - visualizes the cancerous infiltrate up to the bauhinium valve, allows for a biopsy of suspicious areas of the intestine;
- Irrigoscopy – radiology of the large intestine using double contrast (contrast-air);
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, CT, MRI, virtual colonoscopy - visualize the germination of colon cancer and the condition of adjacent organs;
- Determination of tumor markers – CEA, C 19-9, Sialosyl – TN
Mammary cancer
This malignant tumor occupies a leading place among female neoplasms. Such disappointing statistics are to some extent due to the low qualifications of doctors who perform unprofessional examinations of the mammary glands.
- Palpation of the gland allows you to identify lumps and swellings in the thickness of the organ and suspect a tumor process.
- Breast radiography (mammography) is one of the most important methods for detecting non-palpable tumors. For greater information content, artificial contrast is used:
- pneumocystography (removal of fluid from the tumor and introduction of air into it) - allows to identify parietal formations;
- ductography - the method is based on the introduction of a contrast agent into the milk ducts; visualizes the structure and contours of the ducts, and abnormal formations in them.
- Sonography and Dopplerography of the mammary glands - the results of clinical studies have proven the high effectiveness of this method in detecting microscopic intraductal cancer and abundantly supplied blood tumors.
- Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging - allow us to evaluate the invasion of breast cancer into nearby organs, the presence of metastases and damage to regional lymph nodes.
- Immunological tests for breast cancer (tumor markers) - CA-15-3, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA-72-4, prolactin, estradiol, TPS.
Thyroid cancer
Due to the increase in radiation and exposure of people over the past 30 years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased 1.5 times. Basic diagnostic methods:
- Ultrasound + Dopplerography of the thyroid gland is a fairly informative method, non-invasive and does not carry radiation exposure.
- Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used to diagnose the spread of the tumor process beyond the thyroid gland and identify metastases to neighboring organs.
- Positron emission tomography is a three-dimensional technique, the use of which is based on the property of a radioisotope to accumulate in the tissues of the thyroid gland.
- Radioisotope scintigraphy is a method also based on the ability of radionuclides (more precisely, iodine) to accumulate in gland tissues, but unlike tomography, it indicates the difference in the accumulation of radioactive iodine in healthy and tumor tissue. Cancer infiltrate can take the form of a “cold” (not absorbing iodine) and “hot” (absorbing iodine in excess) focus.
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy - allows for a biopsy and subsequent cytological examination of cancer cells, identifies special genetic markers hTERT, EMC1, TMPRSS4 of thyroid cancer.
- Determination of galectin-3 protein, which belongs to the class of lectins. This peptide takes part in the growth and development of tumor vessels, its metastasis and suppression of the immune system (including apoptosis). The diagnostic accuracy of this marker for malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland is 92-95%.
- Relapse of thyroid cancer is characterized by a decrease in the level of thyroglobulin and an increase in the concentration of tumor markers EGFR, HBME-1
Esophageal carcinoma
Cancer mainly affects the lower third of the esophagus and is usually preceded by intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. The average incidence is 3.0% per 10,000 population.
- X-ray contrast examination of the esophagus and stomach using barium sulfate is recommended to clarify the degree of patency of the esophagus.
- Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy allows you to see cancer with your own eyes, and an improved videoscopic technique displays an image of esophageal cancer on a large screen. During the study, a biopsy of the tumor is required, followed by cytological diagnosis.
- Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging - visualize the degree of tumor invasion into neighboring organs, determine the condition of regional groups of lymph nodes.
- Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is mandatory when cancer compresses the esophagus of the tracheobronchial tree and allows you to assess the extent of the diameter of the airways.
Tumor markers - immunological diagnosis of tumors
The essence of immunological diagnostics is the detection of specific tumor antigens or tumor markers. They are quite specific to specific types of cancer. A blood test for tumor markers for primary diagnosis does not have practical application, but allows you to determine the earlier occurrence of relapse and prevent the spread of cancer. There are more than 200 types of cancer markers in the world, but only about 30 have diagnostic value.
Doctors have the following requirements for tumor markers:
- Must be highly sensitive and specific
- The tumor marker must be released only by malignant tumor cells, and not by the body’s own cells
- The tumor marker must indicate one specific tumor
- Blood test values for tumor markers should increase as cancer progresses
Classification of tumor markers
All tumor markers: click to enlarge
According to biochemical structure:
- Oncofetal and oncoplacental (REA, hCG, alpha-fetoprotein)
- Tumor-associated glycoproteins (CA 125, CA 19-9. CA 15-3)
- Keratoproteins (UBC, SCC, TPA, TPS)
- Enzymatic proteins (PSA, neuron-specific enolase)
- Hormones (calcitonin)
- Other structure (ferritin, IL-10)
By value for the diagnostic process:
- The main one is that it has maximum sensitivity and specificity for a specific tumor.
- Secondary - has low specificity and sensitivity, is used in combination with the main tumor marker.
- Additional – detected with many neoplasms.
| Cancer marker | Indicator norm | Neoplasm in which it is detected |
| Bence Jones protein | norm - absent | Myeloma (malignant plasmacytoma), B-cell leukemia |
| Alpha fetoprotein | normal – less than 22 ng/ml | Hepatocellular cancer, germinal cancers (ovarian, testicular and other cancers) |
| Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) | less than 5 units/ml | Colorectal tumors (colon cancer), breast cancer, lung cancer |
| SA-125 | less than 30 units/ml | Ovarian cancer |
| Prostate antigen (PSA – prostate specific antigen) | less than 5 ng/ml | |
| Chorionic gonadotropin (CG) | ||
| NSE – neuron-specific enolase | 12 ng/ml | Small cell lung cancer, neuroendocrine tumors |
| CYFRA 21-1 | less than 2 ng/ml | |
| Calcitonin | 0-30 pg/ml |
If you have a history of cancer in your family or have been diagnosed with pre-cancerous disease, it is expected that you will want to learn how to spot the early symptoms of cancer. Because the symptoms, severity, and progression of cancer are unique to each person, it is important to monitor your body for any changes. If you wish, talk to your doctor about genetic testing to determine your risk for certain types of cancer. By being aware of the risks, monitoring symptoms, and catching cancer early, you can increase your chances of survival.
Steps
Part 1
Early symptoms of cancer-
Pay attention to changes in your skin. Skin cancer can cause your skin to change color, making it darker, yellower, or redder. If your skin changes color, increases in hair growth, or develops itchy patches on your skin, make an appointment with your physician or dermatologist. If you have moles, make sure they haven't changed in any way. Another symptom of cancer is an unusual lump or lump on the surface of the body.
- Watch for sores that won't heal or white patches in the mouth and tongue.
-
Monitor changes in bowel movements or urination. Constipation that won't go away, diarrhea, or any changes in the size of your stool may indicate colon cancer. Symptoms of colon or bladder cancer include:
- Painful sensations when urinating
- Frequent or, conversely, infrequent urination
- Signs of blood or other discharge
-
Determine if you have lost weight. If you haven't been on a diet but have lost weight, you have unexplained weight loss. Weight loss of more than 4.5 kg is an early sign of pancreatic, stomach, esophageal or lung cancer.
- You may also experience dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or indigestion after eating. They can be symptoms of cancer of the esophagus, throat and stomach.
-
Beware of symptoms of common illnesses. Some early cancer symptoms may resemble those common cold, with some major differences. You may have a cough, fatigue, fever, or unexplained pain (such as severe headache). But unlike a cold, you won't get better with rest, your cough won't go away, and despite your fever, you won't show signs of infection.
- Pain can be one of the very first symptoms of cancer to appear. Typically, the temperature rises after the cancer has progressed.
-
Don't diagnose yourself. You should not assume that a few matching symptoms absolutely indicate that you have cancer. Symptoms of cancer can vary greatly and are not specific. This means that many similar symptoms can indicate a number of other diseases of varying severity.
- For example, fatigue can indicate many things, and cancer is just one of these things. Fatigue may turn out to be a symptom of a completely different disease. This is why proper medical examination is very important.
-
Talk to your doctor about diagnosing other types of cancer. Because some types of cancer do not have specific guidelines, discuss your risk factors with your doctor. Your doctor will then decide whether you should be tested. Ask your dentist for recommendations regarding oral cancer. Ask your doctor if you should be tested for the following types of cancer:
- Prostate cancer
- Cancer of the uterus
- Thyroid cancer
- Lymphoma
- Testicular cancer
Part 3
Genetic testing-
Consult your doctor. Not all people need to undergo genetic testing to determine risk factors. If you think you would benefit from learning about your genetic cancer risks, talk to your doctor and make sure he or she knows your and your family's medical history. Your doctor (and geneticist) can help you determine whether you are at risk of developing cancer and whether you should have genetic testing.
- Many cancers that can be tested for through genetic testing are quite rare, so it is important to understand whether you should have the test at all.
-
Weigh the pros and cons of genetic testing. Because genetic testing can determine factors for cancer development, it can help you decide how often you should have physical exams and screening tests. Genetic testing results may provide little information, be misinterpreted, and make you feel anxious and anxious. It can also cost you several hundred thousand rubles. Many Insurance companies will not cover the cost of the test, so check with your insurance company to determine how much you will have to pay. Experts recommend genetic testing if:
- You or members of your family have an increased risk of developing a certain type of cancer
- Testing can clearly show the presence or absence of genetic changes
- The test results will help you create a care plan.
-
Find out which types of cancer can be tested for through genetic testing. The test can identify genes that are responsible for more than 50 types of hereditary cancer syndromes. If the test is positive for the presence of the gene responsible for certain type cancer, this does not mean that you will get it. Genes for the following cancer syndromes can be detected in genetic testing:
- Hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer syndrome
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Lynch syndrome (hereditary colon cancer without polyposis)
- Familial adenomatous polyposis
- Retinoblastoma
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (Wermer syndrome) and type II Discuss the test results with your doctor. If genetic testing is positive for the presence of a gene for a certain type of cancer, your doctor or genetic counselor will tell you about further testing or preventive measures. A genetic counselor is trained to provide emotional support. They will also refer you to a support group and provide other assistance.
- A positive genetic test result does not mean you will get this type of cancer, only that you are at increased risk of developing it. Whether it appears depends on you, the specific gene, family history, your lifestyle and the environment in which you live.
Every year, approximately half a million Russians are diagnosed with cancer, and about 280 thousand of our citizens die due to this disease. Moreover, if a neoplasm is detected at the first or second stage, it can be cured in approximately 95% of cases. How to detect cancer on initial stage, what examinations need to be carried out and how to minimize the risk of cancer, the day before world day the director of the Herzen Moscow Research Oncology Institute, Professor Andrei Kaprin, told RIA Novosti about the fight against cancer. Interviewed by Tatyana Stepanova.
— Andrey Dmitrievich, tell us how things stand in the country today with regard to morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors?
— In the structure of population mortality, malignant neoplasms occupy second place (14.9%) after cardiovascular diseases (54.8%).
Every year, approximately 480 thousand new cases of cancer are detected, and more than 280 thousand people die. Of these, a sufficiently large number of people of working age (15.5%). This situation is largely due to the fact that people seek medical help late. In an advanced stage, cancer is detected in every fifth patient, and this leads to the fact that mortality in the first year after diagnosis in our country reaches 26%. And when cancer is treated at an early stage, the 10-year survival rate reaches 95% or more.
The disease is mainly diagnosed in older people - 60 years and above. The probability of developing cancer in men under the age of 60 is 8.2%, in women at this age - 8.7%. And after the age of 60, these figures look like this: 21.6% for men and 17.3% for women. Thus, the longer life expectancy in a country, the more attention should be paid to preventive examinations.
In those Russian regions, where there is a high depopulation of cities and villages (the young leave, the elderly remain), the mortality rate from malignant neoplasms indirectly increases, while the detection rate remains the same. At our institute we maintain an all-Russian cancer registry, and this is nothing more than the best epidemiological study, thanks to which we receive all the information on cancer diseases in the regions.
— Which regions have achieved success in treating cancer?
— In Kazan and Khabarovsk they work quite well to identify and treat such patients. There, primary care doctors are on an oncological alert, special tests are taken en masse: for men - for prostate specific antigen (PSA), for women - for CA 125. These studies make it possible to detect prostate cancer at an early stage in men and cervical cancer in women. In women, unfortunately, the incidence of cancer in this particular location is now growing very strongly. Over ten years, the increase was about 30% overall among women, and at the age of up to 29 years it almost doubled, and up to 44 years - 1.5 times. We believe that this is due to the early onset of sexual activity, promiscuity and the spread of the human papillomavirus.
— What studies need to be done for men, women and at what age in order to diagnose the disease at an early stage?
— Women over 39 years of age should undergo regular cervical and breast examinations. Men over 45 years of age should be examined by a urologist for prostate cancer. Hidden blood in the stool can be a very important indicator. We recommend that women and men over 45 years of age get tested to detect it.
Despite the prevalence of these diseases, lung cancer still ranks first. Unfortunately, fluorography is not enough to detect it at an early stage, so we recommend that you undergo an x-ray examination annually. Skin cancer is also a fairly common neoplasm.
Moreover, the most malignant skin tumor is localized on the back, on the shoulder blade. Unfortunately, it is not very disturbing at the beginning of the disease.
— Does this mean that sunbathing is harmful?
“Of course, it’s a disgrace when we go to regions where the sun is very hot, and we don’t think at all about protecting our skin. When local population wears completely covered clothes, we lie in the direct rays of the sun and “sunbathe” - this is no good. I also think that we have a lot of unlicensed solariums, the activities of which no one controls, this has been written about more than once.
— Can a person himself suspect or recognize the first signs of cancer?
- Cancer lung man may suspect it only at a late stage of the disease or when the bronchus is affected and cough and hemoptysis appear. Before this, it is completely asymptomatic. Of course, at the initial stage lung cancer can be seen on an x-ray, but the radiologist must also be experienced and competent.
That’s why I keep repeating: women should have an ultrasound of the mammary glands and mammography every year. Men should see a doctor if they have urinary problems. You need to donate blood for PSA. This does not require special preparation and does not take much time.
— Why do you think some of our citizens still prefer to receive treatment abroad?
— Modern medicine has no boundaries, best ways fight against the disease become quickly available to doctors different countries. Treatment both abroad and here follows the same international protocols. Nevertheless, there are those who prefer to go to a foreign clinic. Everyone has their own reason for this. Some doctors have stopped maintaining medical confidentiality. If a person holds certain positions, he, of course, will not want his illnesses to become public. The second reason lies in the fact that some charitable organizations raise money for help abroad, in fact, children are treated in our clinics, and charitable organizations help these centers survive.
And finally, rehabilitation after surgical interventions. Our specialists perform operations just as well. We recently discharged a 19-year-old girl who was refused treatment in Germany as inoperable. She had an extensive malignant substernal tumor. And after we operated on her, this girl’s mother showed the pictures to German doctors. They gave a standing ovation for three minutes. Now the girl has already gone to work.
— Do you think it is necessary to change the procedure for clinical examination, especially in terms of examinations for oncological diseases? Can primary care doctors detect a tumor at the first or second stage?
— The oncological component of clinical examination of the adult population involves two stages. The first is to identify a risk group using the studies we talked about. At the second stage, the diagnosis is clarified. I believe that medical examination in the form in which it is currently taking place is fully justified.
— Early diagnosis of cancer would significantly reduce mortality. Nevertheless, unfortunately, most people in Russia prefer not to be examined, but to live according to the principle “until the thunder strikes...” How to convince the population not to adhere to this rule?
- Convince, show, prove. For example, on the basis of our institute, we created the National Center for Oncology of the Reproductive Organs, the goal of which is to strengthen cooperation between doctors and patients and popularize medical knowledge in this area.
Starting this year, we regularly began to spend days on Saturdays open doors for residents of the neighboring Northern District, we invite them to a free initial diagnosis of the most common diseases. And we do it quite successfully - people go and get checked.
To organize a direct channel of communication with the population, receive feedback, created, together with the prefecture of the Northern District, the Public Committee "Medical Control" and intend, in cooperation with public organizations, to monitor how they provide medical care in our city. These measures, I am sure, will increase the level of mutual trust and medical literacy of the population.
— How can you minimize your risk of developing cancer?
— Among the main causes of cancer incidence, as statistics show, the leading position is occupied by poor nutrition- up to 35%. In second place is smoking - up to 32%. Thus, two thirds of cancer cases are caused by these factors. We also recommend not to get carried away with tanning and not to consume products with dyes. And visit your doctor regularly.
If cancer is detected at an early stage of development, it can be cured. It is important to monitor your body, understand what condition is considered normal for it, and if abnormalities appear, consult a doctor. In this case, if you have cancer, doctors will notice it at a very early stage.
There are various general symptoms cancer. If you notice them in yourself, this means that certain changes are occurring in your body. Contact your doctor if you have:
- tumor;
- shortness of breath, cough, hoarseness;
- bleeding;
- change in work digestive tract;
- moles;
- causeless weight loss.
What to do if the first symptoms of cancer are detected? Let's try to answer this question.
Tumors
If you know how your body works when normal conditions, That you can identify oncology, or rather, suspect it when early changes appear, the cause of which may be a disease. If you notice a tumor anywhere on your body, consult a doctor immediately. It’s very good if you can tell exactly how long ago you had it, whether it’s bothering you, and whether it’s increasing in size. Very often, cancerous tumors are completely painless.
It is extremely difficult to recognize a tumor of oncological origin by touch. However, if the doctor suspects that you have a malignant neoplasm, he will refer you to the right specialist for further examination and testing.
It should be taken into account that if swelling and bumps appear in your body quite often, then most likely they are not malignant.
Shortness of breath, cough, hoarseness
The so-called chest symptoms of cancer are cough, shortness of breath and hoarseness. Of course, they can be caused by infections, inflammation, and other diseases and ailments, but in some cases such signs indicate lung cancer. If you have been experiencing shortness of breath and cough for more than two weeks, consult a doctor immediately. You should also see a specialist if you see blood in your sputum.
Hoarseness is often caused by laryngitis. This disease means inflammation of the larynx. However, in rare cases, hoarseness is an early symptom of laryngeal cancer. If such ailment has been tormenting you for more than two weeks, go see a specialist.
Disorders of the digestive tract
A sign of changes in the functioning of the digestive tract is the presence of blood in the stool. It is usually bright red or dark. The presence of fresh, scarlet blood is a sign of hemorrhoids.
A symptom of cancer may be a change in the frequency of the digestive tract (constipation or diarrhea) for no apparent reason. Also, sometimes there is a feeling of insufficient bowel cleansing after stool. Some patients experience pain in the rectum or abdomen.
When interested in the types of tumors and the question of how to recognize them, it is important to remember that changes in stool do not always indicate the development of oncology. The reasons may lie in changes in diet, anxiety, intake medicines. If the stool does not return to normal within several weeks, then to exclude dangerous disease, you need to see a doctor.
Bleeding
Any bleeding for no apparent reason is a sign of a malfunction of the internal organs. This is a good reason to go to a specialist.
Bleeding from the rectum can be a sign of hemorrhoids, but also one of the symptoms of cancer of the internal organs.
If a woman has a malignant tumor in the uterus or cervix, bleeding may occur between menstruation or after sexual contact. If bleeding is observed in women after menopause, then she urgently needs to consult a doctor.
Blood in the urine may be a symptom of bladder cancer or kidney cancer. However, the cause of this phenomenon may also be an infection. Contact your doctor if you notice bloody discharge in your urine. By the way, you should take into account that sometimes urine turns pink due to the presence of dyes in food. This can happen if the day before you ate, for example, beets.
If when you cough, sputum comes out with blood, then the reason for this is a serious infectious disease. Sometimes this is a sign of lung cancer. Blood in vomit can signal stomach cancer, however, the cause of this phenomenon can also be an ulcer. Therefore, the exact answer to the question is how to identify cancer- you need to contact a specialist.
Nosebleeds and bruising are rare symptoms of cancer. Sometimes these signs are a consequence of leukemia. However, people suffering from this disease also have other, more obvious signs of cancer.
Moles
How does skin cancer manifest? Many people who have numerous moles on their bodies think about this. Let's try to answer this question.
A type of this disease is melanoma. As a rule, it manifests itself with a change appearance skin. Sometimes it seems that you have a new large mole. However, melanoma can also form in an existing mole. That is why it can be extremely difficult to distinguish benign from malignant formations.
You should consult a doctor immediately if your moles exhibit the following signs:
- asymmetry (moles are usually even and symmetrical, but melanomas are not);
- uneven edges;
- a color atypical for a mole (if moles, as a rule, have a brown tint, then melanomas are brown with black, pink, red, white and even bluish);
- large size (moles usually do not exceed 6 mm in diameter, melanomas - more than 7 mm);
- crusting, itching, bleeding: melanomas can bleed, become crusty, or itch (these symptoms of skin cancer are not common, but should not be forgotten).
If any marks appear on the skin that do not go away for several weeks, if you notice the above-described signs of melanoma, then consult a doctor immediately.
Unreasonable weight loss
How else can you determine oncology? Your body weight will tell you this. If in a relatively short period of time (for example, two months) you have lost a lot of weight, and at the same time you have not had stressful situations, strong physical activity or diet, then this is a serious reason to make an appointment with a doctor.
If weight loss is a consequence of cancer, then the patient may experience other signs: increased fatigue, pain, nausea.
What to do if you have alarming symptoms?
What to do if you notice the main symptoms of cancer? The answer is obvious: you need to see a doctor. Only a specialist can assess your condition and prescribe adequate treatment. Only a doctor can direct you to undergo x-rays, tests, etc.
If the doctor suspects cancer, he will direct you to do a biopsy, tomography, and also advise a specialized specialist. If the doctor decides that the cause of your illness is of a different nature, then in any case he will be able to help you cope with your ailments, and faster than if you were treated on your own.