How to detect cancer in the early stages. How to recognize cancer at an early stage

There is a category of people who are constantly looking for symptoms of cancer, even in the absence of any reason for this: nutrition is correct, lifestyle is healthy, bad habits are excluded. Such people regularly undergo all kinds of examinations, take tests, listen to the slightest signals from the body. Of course, with gloomy thoughts they somewhat poison the lives of themselves and their fellow physicians, but at the same time they can really recognize the signs of the disease at the beginning of its development.

The other category is not sick with anything, is not looking for anything, they undergo a fluorography or a gynecologist, because they demanded it at work. Such self-confidence often prevents a person from thinking about his health, paying attention to some unusual symptoms and quickly following to the doctor.

However, as you know, cancer does not choose a profession, status, age, just the likelihood of falling ill in a risk group is much higher, which modern medicine is trying to convey, designed to fight diseases that are difficult to treat, and in advanced stages are not amenable at all.

Error in the immune system - an "evil" result

Propaganda directing a person to a healthy lifestyle, unfortunately, is not always effective. Drinking, smoking are harmful, nervous too, and eating is even more so, because any unfavorable factor is able to start the mechanism of development of a malignant tumor, which, as you know, arises from one normal cell, degenerated and transformed for one reason or another into a cancerous one. Spontaneous mutations occur in human body constantly, but not all of them end in cancer, so it is impossible to feel when, on what day, hour or minute an “evil” cell appeared and why the immune system did not “recognize” it.

AT healthy body the immune system will quickly detect evil and destroy it, but if the latter is reduced, the defenses are lost, and the immune system becomes unable to recognize and eliminate the "alien", thus allowing it to multiply. This is how cancerous growth begins.

Cancer cells are characterized by rapid and aggressive reproduction, but they also have different abilities. How quickly the process will go depends on the type of tumor and its location. In this way, The initial symptoms and signs of cancer are determined by many parameters:

• The degree of malignancy of neoplasia;
• Process localization;
• The size of the tumor and the involvement of "neighbors" (nearby organs);
• The stage of the disease (as a rule, in stage 1, cancer is practically asymptomatic, while stage 4 is very difficult, painful and fatal).

The first signs of cancer are practically no different from the symptoms of other diseases, including benign ones, therefore, having felt a headache or weakness, it is unlikely that a person will run to the doctor for a diagnosis. Meanwhile, there are certain signals declaring trouble, which for certain tumors, probably, can be considered the primary symptoms of cancer.

Cancer hides under different "masks"

Most malignant tumors in the first stage do not manifest themselves in any way, therefore they pass unnoticed, the person continues to consider himself healthy, lives, works and makes plans for the future. Meanwhile, common symptoms of cancer, if you pay attention to them, gradually begin to appear:

Thus, it is obvious that the general symptoms of cancer in most cases are signs of a general ill health of the body and are characteristic of many pathological conditions, therefore, for self-diagnosis, which many patients love so much, it would probably be useful to acquaint them with specific manifestations the most common cancers.

open confrontation

“Feeling” a victory over the body, cancer begins to give itself away, and then its specific symptoms and signs appear, which allow the patient to suspect a malignant process. For each localization of the tumor, the initial signals are different, so we will briefly try to describe some of them.

Lungs

Morphologically, this process can be represented as follows: tissue cells in some vulnerable spot begin to actively proliferate, which leads to atypical tissue growth. In the formed focus, cells change and lose their functional abilities, which is clearly visible on microscopic examination (atypia). Dysplasia, which is often diagnosed in the cervix, is a typical example of a precancerous condition and is at risk for cervical cancer.

Threatening or obligate neoplasia (precancer) is spoken of in the case of diseases that, if left untreated, one way or another, but transform into cancer, although it is not known when this can happen: in a month or in a few years. Patients who do not want to be treated should understand that precancer can be considered the initial stage of the oncological process, therefore non-invasive tumor (in situ) must be radically eliminated. This gives hope for a full recovery.

Video: Warning Cancer Symptoms

Cancer is a dangerous disease, but in Russia more than 2.8 million people live with this diagnosis. According to statistics, more than 7-8 million people die from cancer every year around the world. Oncological diseases are on the 2nd place in the list of deaths, on the first place are cores. Although our country has become one of the "developed" countries, a complete cure for cancer has not yet been discovered.

Treatment becomes effective when cancer is detected at an early stage. In order not to miss this moment, you need to pay attention to any change in the body, because the causes of cancer can be very different, up to minor pain anywhere in the body.

Factors affecting the development of cancer

The development of cancer is influenced by external and internal (exogenous and endogenous), predisposing and contributing factors. It is important to recognize the causes of cancer in time and take the necessary measures to eliminate the consequences.

Cancer Symptoms

You need to pay attention to the signs of cancer, especially if you have a predisposition to this disease.

Uterine cancer

High estrogen levels. The woman's body recognizes the development of a malignant tumor in the uterus and ovaries in time, sending a signal with the help of estrogen. However, this is an inaccurate indicator, sometimes a malignant tumor can develop even with a negative indicator.

Symptoms of uterine cancer can appear already in the last stages and in advanced form. Uterine cancer in the initial stages rarely manifests itself, unfortunately, but you can still pay attention to some symptoms. As the disease progresses, there are:

1. Allocations.

Unpleasant mucous or purulent discharge can occur with vulvovaginitis, but cancer is no exception. Special care must be taken with bloody discharges.

2. Blood discharge.

If bleeding is observed regularly between menstruation, then a visit to the doctor is necessary to exclude the endometrium.

Rectal cancer

In women, colon cancer often presents with premenstrual discharge. And not very regularly, perhaps such discharge can be observed only between 2-3 cycles, and then stop altogether.

Mostly, symptoms such as exacerbation of chronic diseases are observed. genitourinary system and stool disorder.

• Frequent urge to urinate.

The cause may be diseases of the genitourinary system, a thorough examination by a doctor is needed.

• Chair disorder.

There may be diarrhea, a change in the amount of feces, constipation, etc. Frequent symptoms: bloody discharge with feces and pain in the anus.

Lungs' cancer

Coughing up blood is the first indicator of lung cancer. A painful and dry cough may indicate bronchial asthma, but if the cough is accompanied by sputum and blood, it is recommended to be tested for cancer cells.

There are cases when lung cancer is accompanied for no apparent reason and its detection is possible in the initial stages using x-rays.

Skin cancer

Neoplasms in the form of a dark color may indicate cancer. Skin cancer progresses quite quickly, sometimes there are situations of slow effects on the body.

Moles can also be harbingers of cancer: enlargement, change in color and appearance.

breast cancer

Breast cancer in the early stages can be detected if you regularly monitor the condition of the breast. An increase in size, thickening and discharge from the nipples may indicate a disease. Pain in the early stages may not be observed, so patients do not pay attention to external changes.

A progressive type of cancer is characterized by a change in color in the breast area.

Stomach cancer

You can write endlessly about the symptoms of stomach cancer, there are too many of them. It is these symptoms that contribute to erroneous diagnoses. Often doctors associate the symptoms of cancer with the symptoms of gastritis, without even suspecting that the most important and precious time for the patient is leaving “from under the nose”.

Other signs of cancer include:

• Sudden weight loss.

A sharp weight loss can be observed in any disease. But if there is no apparent reason, then you need to consult a doctor. Cancer first of all "beats" the immune system, which leads to external changes in the body.

• Enlarged lymph nodes.

If the lymph nodes are enlarged and do not change in size within a month, then you need to go to the doctor for a biopsy to rule out cancer.

• Temperature.

A high temperature in cancer indicates an inflammatory process in the body. If the temperature is constantly high, this may also indicate that the cancer affects the entire organ system.

The temperature is not a prime example for determining cancer in the initial stage, more often it rises only in the last stages.

Consciously ignoring the signs of cancer, mistakenly assuming that it is incurable, is not worth it. Even the last stage of cancer is not a sentence! With proper treatment, life can be extended by several decades.

Remember! Early detection of cancer increases the chances of recovery.

3 myths about cancer

Myth 1. Cancer is an infectious disease and it is recommended to stay away from cancer patients.

This myth is easily refuted even by the fact that physicians treat the sick without taking special precautions to protect themselves from illness. Even with very long contact, the disease cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

In part, this myth has the right to be. Cancer is inherited.

Myth 2. People with multiple moles have cancer.

Any neoplasm on the skin can cause cancer. The key word is maybe, therefore, all people with moles should not be classified as cancer patients.

Congenital moles are not dangerous, they just need to be monitored regularly. An increase, discoloration, itching, and other signs are a cause for concern and a visit to a doctor.

Myth 3. Cancer cannot be cured.

After a terrible diagnosis, almost 98% of patients panic and 92% of them are not able to pull themselves together.

The expectation of death affects health not from the best side. Numerous stresses only provoke the emergence of complex symptoms and bring the “end” closer. Timely detection of the disease at an early stage gives a positive result. There are cases in medicine when people at the last stage of cancer, who are no longer able to walk without someone else's help, miraculously get to their feet. There is only one reason - faith in healing and modern medicine.

The Israel Cancer Center treats all types of oncological diseases by experienced doctors, using modern highly qualified technology. So don't despair. Quality cancer treatment is possible.

Cancer diagnostics remains an urgent problem for many countries of the world, since the number of cancer patients is rapidly increasing every year. It is the timely detection of these pathologies in many cases that determines further prognosis for recovery and the patient's life expectancy. The latest diagnostic methods and the accuracy of their results can guarantee the correct appointment of further treatment and forecasting for recovery.

Today, residents of Russia do not always need to travel abroad for diagnosis or treatment. cancer. A large number of medical equipment is concentrated in clinics and oncology centers of the country, capable of providing a high-quality examination of the patient. In this article, we will introduce you to the most commonly used modern technologies for diagnosing cancer.

PET-CT

Positron emission tomography (or PET, two-photon emission tomography) is a tomographic radionuclide method for examining internal organs, based on the introduction of a radiopharmaceutical that decomposes into positrons to a patient. The drug (radionuclide) interacts with electrons and forms pairs of gamma quanta. They mark the tissues of the body and allow special equipment (PET scanner) to track tissues affected by tumors.

Various drugs can be used to diagnose cancer, each of which is designed to detect cancer cells in a specific organ. This feature of radionuclide pharmacological preparations makes it possible to use PET-CT in various fields of medicine. The study is performed after special preparation of the patient.

Indications for PET-CT:

• diagnosis of cancer to determine the staging of the tumor;
• determination of the primary site of localization of a cancerous tumor with already identified metastases;
• radiotherapy planning;
• identifying the most dangerous place malignant tumor to determine the location of the biopsy;
• assessment of the effectiveness of therapy;
• timely detection of cancer recurrence.

PET-CT can be used in the following areas of medicine:

• bronchial cancer or;
• follicular lymphoma;
• diffuse lymphoma;
• lymphoma of the mantle zone;
• Hodgkin's disease;
• multiple myeloma;
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia;
• esophageal carcinoma;
• stomach cancer;
• ovarian cancer;
• uterine cancer;
• cancer of the floor of the mouth;
• cancerous tumors of the tongue;
• nasopharyngeal cancer;
• oropharyngeal cancer;
• cancer of the lower part of the pharynx;
• pyriform sinus cancer;
• crayfish paranasal sinuses nose
• tonsil cancer;
• kidney cancer;
• liver cancer;
• cancer of the middle ear and nasal cavity;
• salivary gland cancer;
• colorectal cancer;
• penis cancer;
• testicular cancer;
• malignant melanoma of the skin.

PET-CT does not have undesirable side effects on the patient's body and can be used for dynamic monitoring of patients of any age during treatment or after its completion. In this regard, there are no absolute contraindications for this diagnostic method.

Relative contraindications for PET-CT:

• - when using fluorodeoxyglucose for research, preliminary correction of sugar in the patient's blood is necessary;
• pregnancy - suspected or already confirmed;
• lactation - breastfeeding should be canceled for 6 hours after the introduction of a radionuclide drug;
• - insufficient excretory function of the kidneys can lead to a delay in the excretion of the drug and distortion of the results of the study;
• previous chemotherapy - the study can be carried out 12 days after the completion of the course of treatment;
• previous radiotherapy - the study can be carried out 12 weeks after the completion of the course of treatment;
• previously performed surgical treatment - the study can be performed 8 weeks after the operation.

PET-CT should not be performed on patients who are in serious condition and due to illness cannot be completely immobile for a long time. The study is also postponed in cases of acute conditions or infectious diseases.

The main advantages of PET-CT are that this diagnostic method makes it possible to detect a tumor even at the “zero stage”, when neither CT nor MRI, nor laboratory tests can do this. The method has high accuracy, is performed in a short period of time (the procedure lasts about an hour) and ensures the correct diagnosis.

Endoscopic ultrasound

The endoultrasound procedure is one of the newest methods for diagnosing cancerous tumors, which allows you to monitor the state of internal hollow organs and receive their image on a monitor using special ultrasonic sensors inserted through an endoscope. The main advantage of this examination method is the possibility of obtaining more detailed information about organs that cannot be examined using conventional ultrasound.

Endoultrasound can be used to diagnose the following cancers:

• esophageal carcinoma;
• stomach cancer;
• pancreas cancer;
• small intestine cancer;
• colon and rectal cancer;

Thanks to the data obtained using this technique, oncologists can establish the stage of the cancer process and identify areas of localization of spreading cancer cells in the lymph nodes and other tissues. Endoultrasound allows biopsy of neoplasm tissues and determines the tactics of further treatment.

When performed correctly, this diagnostic procedure is absolutely safe for the patient. It causes minimal discomfort, but if the patient needs to get rid of them, then for complete comfort, the so-called “small” anesthesia can be used, which ensures that the patient falls asleep and wakes up easily after the study is completed.

Endoscopic diagnostic techniques

The plan for examining patients with cancer may include various endoscopic diagnostic procedures performed using special high-precision digital video equipment. They are used in various branches of oncology - for cancerous pathologies of the bronchi and lungs, esophagus, stomach, bile ducts, ENT organs, intestines, Bladder, vagina, uterus, etc.

Endoscopic examination techniques are more often used to diagnose precancerous conditions and cancerous tumors of the respiratory or digestive system. Some of them may be accompanied by taking samples of tumor tissue for analysis that determines its type, or by performing minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to remove the tumor growth (for example, removal of a polyp during colonoscopy).

Endoscopic examination techniques allow to identify:

• early cancer of the larynx or central lung cancer;
• stomach lymphoma;
• lung and stomach carcinoids;
• early cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon.

For the diagnosis of oncological diseases of the digestive and respiratory system, the following methods can be used:

• multimodal esophagoduodenoscopy;
• multimodal bronchoscopy;
• confocal laser endomicroscopy of the digestive tract, pancreatobiliary zone and respiratory tract;
• high resolution colonoscopy;
• multimodal study of the upper respiratory tract with narrow-spectrum endoscopy;
• endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography combined with ultrasonography.

Endoscopic examination techniques can be successfully used to differentiate such pathologies:

• volumetric formations of the pancreas;
• formation of extrahepatic bile ducts;
• enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.

Indications and contraindications for performing endoscopic diagnostic techniques are determined individually for each patient and depend on the available diagnostic data and on the general condition of the patient.

Mammography

Mammography is the most informative diagnostic method that allows to detect malignant neoplasms of the breast at the earliest stages. For this, a low-dose X-ray is used to take a picture of the mammary glands - a mammogram. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, is painless, non-invasive and can be administered to women of any age. Previously, this procedure was performed exclusively with the help of X-ray equipment, but thanks to the introduction of computer systems into medicine, it has become digital, and therefore more accurate, since the search for areas of pathological changes is performed by special computer programs that study the image.

Mammography can be used as a screening method for detecting breast cancer in women, even in the absence of any. This method of examination makes it possible to detect changes in the tissues of the gland two years before they can be detected by a mammologist or the patient herself.

Indications for the appointment of this research method can be any pathological changes in the state of the mammary glands:

• swelling;
• redness;
• seals in the thickness of the gland;
• changes in the nipple;
• the desire of a woman to conduct a preventive examination in the presence of cancerous tumors in her close relatives in the female line.

The advantage of digital mammography is also the fact that the resulting image, if necessary, consultation with other specialists can be sent by e-mail to anywhere in the world. After treatment of breast cancer, this procedure can be used to dynamically monitor the results of therapy and timely detection of recurrence of neoplasms.

Mammography should be carried out taking into account all possible risks for the patient:

• with too frequent exposure to even low doses of x-rays, the patient may experience cell degeneration into cancer cells (which is why mammography is rarely prescribed for women under 35);
• in 5-15% of cases, the results may be false positive and require the appointment of additional studies (ultrasound of the mammary glands, biopsies) or dynamic monitoring in the form of repeated mammograms;
• in the presence of pregnancy or its possible development, the woman should inform the doctor about this, because in such cases the possibility of the procedure is carried out taking into account all possible risks to the fetus and mother.

The diagnostic capabilities of mammography may be limited in a number of cases:

• if any cosmetic products (for example, powder, powder, lotion) were applied to the skin of the chest;
• if previously surgical operations were performed on the chest;
• if a woman has silicone implants.

Scintigraphy

Scintigraphy is a diagnostic method that is performed using a scintillation gamma camera that can record the distribution of radioactive isotopes injected into the patient's body. Preparations for this are prepared immediately before administration.

In oncology, the most commonly used type of this procedure is bone scintigraphy, which is used to diagnose bone tumors. This diagnostic method is carried out after the introduction of the drug Technetium-99m-MDP into the patient's body.

Bone scintigraphy allows you to identify neoplasms that develop when:

• primary bone cancer;
• suspicion of metastasis of cancerous tumors from other organs (lung, thyroid, mammary or prostate glands).

Indications for the appointment of osteoscintigraphy can be the following conditions:

• pain syndrome of unknown origin;
• suspicion of an oncological process in bone tissue;
• the need to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Bone scintigraphy is a minimally invasive and safe procedure. It can be performed on people suffering from comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and others severe conditions or disease. The drugs used to perform it rarely cause an allergic reaction compared to other pharmacological agents.

On the day of the procedure, the patient can communicate with relatives and relatives and leave the outpatient facility where this type of diagnosis is performed. The procedure itself is performed 2-4 hours after the administration of the drug and lasts about 15-60 minutes. If it is necessary to continue breastfeeding, experts will definitely recommend that a woman express and pour out milk throughout the day after the introduction of a radioactive drug. After that, she can continue breastfeeding her baby. In most cases, in all categories of patients after the procedure, there are no long-term consequences or complications.

CT scan

Computed tomography (or CT) is a highly informative, non-invasive and painless examination method that allows you to visualize the structure of organs by passing X-ray radiation through the examined area of ​​​​the body and displaying the obtained data on digital computer images. For the diagnosis of cancer, such varieties of this technique as spiral or multilayer CT (or MSCT) can be used. Spiral CT can significantly reduce the examination time and reduce the dose of radiation exposure, while MSCT allows you to get not only more informative images of the organ under study, but also visualize the functioning of organs in real time.

Computed tomography to detect a tumor, metastases and check the state of blood flow is performed after the introduction of a contrast agent. Depending on the organ being examined, such a "paint" can be administered orally or intravenously.

In oncology, CT can be used to examine any area of ​​the body or organ:

• brain;
• organs of vision;
• ENT organs;
• thoracic and lumbosacral spine;
• musculoskeletal system;
• chest organs;
• pelvic organs.

In some clinical cases, the CT procedure is used for targeted biopsy. If more detailed visualization of the area under study is required, the CT procedure can be supplemented by an MRI or PET-CT appointment.

When preparing for a CT scan, be sure to tell your doctor about the following conditions or diseases that you have:

• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• heart disease;
• kidney pathology;
• allergic reactions to drugs;
• diabetes;
• multiple myeloma;
• claustrophobia;
• performance of x-ray studies of the intestine with the introduction of barium;
• reception medicines based on bismuth.

The duration of this diagnostic procedure depends on the area being examined and the CT scanner. For clarification, the patient can ask the doctor who ordered the CT scan about this. After this procedure, the patient can go home on his own. An accompaniment may be needed in cases where a patient suffering from claustrophobia or nervous before the procedure has taken sedatives or the news of the diagnosis has caused great excitement.

ultrasound

Ultrasound, used to diagnose cancer, can be used at different stages of the patient's examination. With the help of this technique, based on the reflection of ultrasound waves from tissues, a preliminary diagnosis can be made to the patient. After that, to confirm the presence of a cancerous tumor, the patient will need to undergo a number of other examinations to clarify the type of neoplasm. During the treatment of a malignant tumor, ultrasound can be used to monitor the dynamics and effectiveness of treatment. After its completion, this simple, safe (from the point of view of radiation exposure), non-invasive and painless technique can be used for dispensary observation of the patient, which is carried out in order to detect recurrence of a malignant tumor.

The introduction of new technologies has allowed the use of ultrasound in oncology more widely than before. Such an innovation was the elastography technique, which is able to analyze areas that are suspicious from the point of view of the oncological process more accurately.

Ultrasound can be used to diagnose cancer of the following organs and tissues:

• thyroid;
• heart;
• organs of the digestive system;
• organs of the urinary system;
• milk glands;
• testicles;
• prostate;
• uterus;
• ovaries and fallopian tubes;
• soft tissues etc.

The effectiveness of ultrasound is largely dependent on the quality of the scanner and the skill level of the specialist performing this procedure.

The combination of diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and tumor biopsy punctures, which allows you to accurately determine the type of tumor and identify the most suspicious site of the neoplasm, enables oncologists to quickly confirm the diagnosis and draw up a further diagnosis or treatment plan.

Radiography

Improving such examination methods as X-ray diagnostics allows the use of this method of examination in oncology more widely. Previously, it could be used for the primary detection of cancerous neoplasms, and the X-ray units used had a large radiation load on the patient's body. Now, thanks to the improvement of medical technology and the emergence of other examination methods to clarify the diagnosis of cancer, X-rays can be used to examine hollow organs, blood vessels and body cavities.

In addition to improving the technique for carrying out this diagnostic method, contrast agents have become more widely used, which contribute to a better isolation of suspicious areas in the form of darker or lighter spots. Such contrast agents can be given by mouth (oral), intestines (rectally) or veins (intravenously).

Pathological verification of the diagnosis

The quality of diagnosis of oncological diseases largely depends on the accuracy of the results of cytological and histological analyzes that determine the type of neoplasm. It is on the results of these indicators that the tactics of further treatment of the patient is based and the programs of chemotherapeutic and radiation treatment are selected. The erroneous results of these types of diagnostics can be fatal for the patient, because therapy can start late or be prescribed incorrectly.

In modern laboratories, to perform cytological and histological analyzes, ultra-precise microscopes and high-quality reagents are used to prepare the test material taken during biopsy of tumor tissues at the diagnostic stage or during surgery. The implementation of such additional laboratory methods on tissues as PT-PCR, PCR and FISH analyzes makes it possible to determine the indications for prescribing various courses of treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs, including targeted (targeted) therapy.

In some clinics, molecular or genetic tests of blood and tumor tissue are performed to detect cancerous tumors. They allow you to identify the patient's predisposition to the development of a malignant neoplasm, and if cancer is detected, they make it possible to determine the degree of aggressiveness of the tumor, to think over an effective treatment plan.

Thanks to molecular analyzes, oncologists can establish the following points:

• will it be enough to carry out only a surgical operation to get rid of the tumor;
• is it possible to block tumor growth with antibodies;
• whether targeted or other types of chemotherapy can be used for treatment.

A molecular test may be recommended for patients with melanoma, breast, testicular, head and neck, lung, pancreatic, rare cancers, or metastases. Such an analysis is also recommended for those patients who have already undergone standard cancer treatment. If the oncology center is sufficiently equipped, such tests can be carried out during a surgical operation.

Tumor markers and clinical laboratory

Modern diagnostics and treatment of cancer is impossible without clinical analyzes (general, biochemical, immunological, hematological, microbiological) and tests for tumor markers, which allow stabilizing the patient's condition for subsequent therapy or dispensary observation. The quality and information content of such studies largely determines further prognosis for the patient's recovery or the decision on tactics to prevent the development of a malignant tumor. Modern laboratories, equipped with computerized technology, allow such analyzes to be performed in a shorter time and make them more accurate than previously used methods for their implementation.

Many malignant neoplasms in the early stages of their occurrence are asymptomatic or disguised as other diseases. Over the problem - how to recognize cancer at stages 1-2, medical specialists from all countries are working. The prognosis of recovery and survival directly depends on the stage at which the tumor focus was diagnosed.

Risk subgroups and predisposing factors

It is quite possible to detect cancer at an early stage - for this you just need to be attentive to your own health and undergo a comprehensive diagnostic examination annually. Particular attention should be paid to people belonging to the risk subgroup for oncopathology:

• abusing tobacco, alcohol products, drugs;
• persons whose immediate blood relatives are already suffering from various cancerous lesions;
• previously exposed to radiation;
• workers in industries with especially harmful working conditions.

Early diagnosis in the above category of citizens is the primary task of medical staff. Especially if there is one or a group of predisposing exogenous or endogenous factors:

• age category after 45–65 years, as the body ages, its tissues and structures wear out, more often there is a failure in cell division, their mutation;
• the presence of bad habits - in tobacco, alcohol products there are significant amounts of various carcinogens;
• negative external factors geographical location accommodation, unfavorable environmental conditions, low level of access to medical care;
• the usual way of life of a person - for example, a tendency to hypodynamia, a poorly adjusted diet, chronic stressful situations, workaholism;
• negative hereditary predisposition - a 35–45% chance of the formation of a cancer focus in those whose closest relatives have already encountered a detected tumor focus.

A malignant neoplasm can form not only in people with low financial capabilities, but also in wealthy people.

What are the signs of cancer

In the early stages, the focus of mutated cells, as a rule, does not manifest itself in any way. It is diagnosed already after germination in the nervous and vascular structures, when the activity of tissues and organs is disrupted. Suspicious for cancer clinical manifestations:

• trophic defects that do not regenerate for a long time, wounds - despite the ongoing therapeutic efforts to heal them;
• unexplained discharge and bleeding;
• visually noticeable change in the shape and color of nevi, warts, moles;
• the formation of seals on the body, various swelling, retractions;
• prolonged cough, increased shortness of breath - in the absence of chronic pathologies of the respiratory structures;
• a significant decrease in appetite, a sharp weight loss, up to cachexia;
• frequent pain impulses in various parts of the body, without predisposing somatic conditions;
  previously uncharacteristic, stubbornly increasing weakness, increased fatigue;
• decrease in working capacity against the background of persistent dizziness, excessive sweating;
• detection of frequent subfebrile temperature;
• sensation of a foreign body in the region of the larynx, esophagus, stomach;
• independently determined increase in lymph nodes - in the armpits, inguinal region;
  propensity to viral and infectious pathologies;
• a sharp disorder of visual, auditory, speech function.

How to determine a cancerous lesion should be decided only by a specialist - it is not recommended to draw conclusions only on the basis of the above signs. Appropriate diagnostic procedures must be carried out.

Laboratory research

After a thorough history taking - complaints, family diseases, when and what symptoms a person noticed in himself, a specialist will conduct a physical examination.

The patient undergoes thermometry and anthropometry, visual examination - staining of the skin and mucous membranes, sclera and tongue. Then the activity of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems is listened to, possible deviations from the standards are identified.

After that, it is the turn of palpation and percussion - the boundaries of organs, the presence of incomprehensible seals, their pain, palpation of regional lymph nodes. At this moment, biomaterial sampling can be carried out for further research from the surfaces of the skin and mucous membranes - scrapings from nevi, warts.

In order to determine the cancer, the patient is necessarily sent to laboratory tests.

In a detailed general blood test, warning signs will be an increase in leukocyte parameters, against the background of a decrease in hemoglobin and a change in the blood formula itself - the presence of immature elements, myelocytes and blast cells. There is an acceleration of ESR - a mandatory sign of any inflammatory process in the body.

In biochemical analysis, a specialist is interested in the parameters of the activity of organs and systems - bilirubin, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, transaminases and total protein, fibrinogen. If abnormalities are detected that are not explained by the pathologies that a person has, additional studies are necessary.

Similarly, urine, feces, cerebrospinal fluid are checked - the parameters of the formed elements are compared with the average statistical standards.

Blood for tumor markers

Blood diagnostics for specific tumor markers is becoming increasingly popular. This is a specific protein secreted by mutated cells into the bloodstream. Each tumor neoplasm has specific protein compounds. They have features from normal blood elements - by functionality or quantitative trait.

In the early stages of tumor formation, cancer diagnosis using tumor markers is carried out in medical institutions during preventive examinations, for example, the PSA indicator of the blood is checked in the male part of the population, and the activity of the ovaries and mammary glands is checked in the female half.

In laboratory conditions, venous blood is taken by venipuncture, which is then examined with special reagents. Separately, tumor markers of the pancreas, lung structures, intestinal loops, prostate, mammary glands, as well as the liver and stomach are checked. However, the cost of such studies is quite high, so they are purposefully appointed by a specialist.

In addition, it is emphasized that tumor markers do not give a 100% result, a diagnosis is not made only on the basis of information from such a study. Be sure to compare with the results from other diagnostic procedures.

Instrumental Research

Mandatory to conduct, if you want to diagnose a tumor focus, are the following instrumental studies.

Non-invasive:

• ultrasound scanning - allows you to visualize parenchymal neoplasms, their localization, boundaries, the presence of metastases in distant organs;
• radiography - a widely used method, financially low-cost, helps to identify foci of inflammation and darkening in dense structures, for example, the spine, statutes.

Invasive:

• radioisotope diagnostics - allows you to carefully analyze the formed functional changes by introducing radioisotopes through a vein;
• various endoscopic procedures - gastroscopy, irrigoscopy, colonoscopy;
• immunodiagnostics - an analysis of the reactions of immune structures to certain types cancerous lesions;
• cytological examination - determination of atypia in smears and tissue points.

When and how to detect cancer, the specialist determines. Of decisive importance is the taking of a biopsy - a piece of tissue directly from the tumor focus. Usually under ultrasound or CT guidance.

Additional modern methods cancer diagnostics - a layer-by-layer examination of tissues and organs on computed tomography images. Accurate information allows you to identify the localization of the pathological focus, damage to neighboring organs, germination, for example, into the vessels. Special training is usually not required. A contrast solution is administered to the patient immediately before the examination.

Hospitalization is also not carried out, the technique is quite feasible on an outpatient basis.

A more informative, but less accessible technique is MRI. The smallest structural units, soft tissues, and lymph nodes are examined. It is possible to make a direct diagnosis - a highly differentiated cancerous lesion or a poorly differentiated one.

Myths and diagnostics

Since there is no absolutely accurate method for diagnosing cancer at an early stage of its occurrence, the task of medical staff is to identify predisposing conditions - precancerous. People with similar results of preventive examinations are under the supervision of their doctor. They necessarily conduct laboratory and instrumental studies in dynamics.

One of the existing myths is that cancer can be contracted from an already sick person. This is a false statement. It is impossible to get infected with a tumor. But to pass on to your children - yes. Therefore, if a cancer focus has been detected in the next of kin, it is necessary to monitor your health especially carefully.

Another myth is that cancer cannot be cured at the moment.

This is absolutely not true. Early diagnosis of pathology allows you to get rid of it in a short time and forever. The prognosis for survival and return to work is 98–100%.

Provided that the disease was diagnosed at stage 1-2A. This is the main task of doctors - to prevent the transition of the cancer focus to a neglected, inoperable stage. To understand this, the population holds informational talks, conferences, and "Cancer Health Schools" are being created.

About 300,000 people die from cancer every year in Russia. We can talk about the low level of quality of medical care in Russia, about a large percentage of inaccurate diagnoses and the lack of necessary ones, but it is inexorable.

Unfortunately, the high mortality rate from cancer in our country is explained by another important factor: the late appeal of the population for medical care. In most patients, cancer is diagnosed, unfortunately, at a very advanced stage, when the likelihood of recovery is minimal.

According to statistics, for cancer detected at stage 0 (preinvasive cancer or cancer in situ - cancer in situ), the survival rate is close to 100%, for stage I cancer, the survival rate is almost 95%, for stage II, about 70%, for Stage III- less than 40%, for stage IV - only 5%.

Detection of cancer in the early stages occurs, as a rule, by chance - during medical examinations. The first oncological diseases very often go unnoticed.

The first common symptoms of cancer

So what are the first signs of cancer?

1. The presence of a tumor formation. In most cases, an oncological disease is accompanied by the formation of a tumor (although there are oncological diseases without the formation of a tumor, for example,). Alertness should be caused by various seals, sores, moles, etc. Tumors can form in almost any organ. Of course, not all neoplasms are cancerous. An important sign of a malignant formation is its steady growth.

2. The presence of pathological secretions (bloody, purulent, etc.), sometimes accompanied by uncomfortable, painful sensations, burning, etc.

3. Signs of intoxication associated with the fact that a malignant neoplasm releases toxic products of its vital activity into the blood. This causes loss of appetite, nausea, subfebrile body temperature (which lasts for many weeks without obvious infectious and inflammatory diseases), joint pain, etc. Consumption of a significant amount by a rapidly developing tumor nutrients leads to fatigue, weakness, sudden causeless loss of body weight.

Signs of cancer associated with the localization of the tumor

There are associated with the localization of the tumor formation and therefore inherent certain types oncological diseases. The appearance of these symptoms is due to the fact that when the neoplasm reaches a certain size, it begins to interfere with the normal functioning of the organ. These signs should be alarming if they occur for no apparent reason and exist for a long time.

So, prolonged cough (sometimes with hemoptysis), hoarseness, shortness of breath can occur with cancer of the respiratory system.

Women's clinic of the Grosshadern Medical Center in the German city of Munich effective treatment various types of malignant tumors. The clinic is rightfully one of the leaders in its field, largely due to the excellent technical and technological equipment of the institution.