arches 

How to recognize breast cancer at an early stage. Types and stages of breast cancer, diagnosis, treatment effectiveness. When to start testing

Content

A malignant tumor of the breast occurs in every 10 women. Oncology is characterized by a tendency to metastasize and aggressive growth. Breast cancer has a number of symptoms that are similar to other breast diseases in women. For this reason, at the first disturbing symptoms, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist.

What is breast cancer

A malignant tumor of the breast is an uncontrolled growth of epithelial cells. Oncology of this type develops mainly in women, but sometimes occurs in the male population. A malignant neoplasm in the breast is one of the most dangerous oncologies. The mortality rate for this type of cancer is 50%. The main cause of death is the neglect of the disease. If breast cancer is diagnosed at stage 1 or 2, then the survival rate after treatment is very high and long-term results are favorable.

Symptoms

Often precancerous manifestations are visible on the breast. Peeling of the skin, swelling, soreness of the nipples are not only hormonal disruptions, but also symptoms of infections, cysts or mastopathy. All these pathologies are a manifestation of a precancerous condition. Symptoms of breast cancer, in which you should urgently consult a doctor:

  1. Discharge from nipples. Seen at all stages of breast cancer. The liquid is yellow-green or clear. After a while, reddening of the skin of the nipple, ulcers, spots and wounds on the halo are formed on the chest.
  2. Seals in the chest. You can easily feel them on your own.
  3. Deformation appearance. With the growth of the tumor in the denser tissues of the mammary glands and the appearance of metastases, the structure of the breast changes (especially with edematous form or shell cancer). The skin over the focus acquires a purple color, peeling occurs, dimples are formed according to the "orange peel" type.
  4. Flattening, elongation of the chest. A sunken or wrinkled nipple retracts into the gland.
  5. Enlargement of the lymph glands. When raising the arms in the armpits, pain occurs.

First signs

At the initial stage of the disease clinical picture almost always asymptomatic. More often it reminds different types mastopathy. The only difference is that with a benign tumor, seals are painful, but not with oncology. According to statistics, in 70% of women who were diagnosed with cancer, the presence of a lump in the chest was first determined, which was easily palpable. The reason for going to the doctor is soreness in the mammary gland, even a small one. The first sign of cancer is a lump in the breast that does not disappear after menstruation.

Causes

The main factor in the occurrence of cancer is a change in the hormonal background. The cells of the ducts of the mammary glands mutate, acquiring the properties of cancerous tumors. The researchers analyzed thousands of patients with this disease and deduced the following factors that contribute to the risk of pathology:

  • female;
  • heredity;
  • no pregnancy or its occurrence after 35 years;
  • malignant neoplasms in other organs and tissues;
  • exposure to radiation;
  • the presence of menstruation for more than 40 years (increased estrogen activity);
  • tall woman;
  • alcohol abuse;
  • smoking;
  • low physical activity;
  • hormone therapy in high doses;
  • obesity after menopause.

stages

A woman may notice the first symptoms of breast cancer at stage 1 or 2 of the disease. The zero (initial) stage is non-invasive, so carcinoma may not appear for a long time. As a rule, a woman first learns about an oncological disease during the examination. The primary tumor can also be recognized by palpation. At the second stage of cancer, the size of the neoplasm already reaches 5 cm, the lymph nodes increase above the collarbones, near the sternum and in the armpits.

The third degree of breast oncology is characterized by an increase in body temperature, retraction of the skin and / or nipple at the location of the carcinoma, the tumor begins to grow on the surrounding tissues, and affects the lymph nodes. High risk of detecting metastases in the lungs, liver, chest. In the fourth stage of oncology, the breasts are affected internal organs and bones, the cancer spreads to the entire gland (Paget's cancer). This degree is characterized by the presence of metastases. The disease is almost untreatable, so the likelihood of death is very high.

Types

Breast cancer is classified by type:

  1. ductal. It is characterized by the fact that the cellular structures did not transfer to healthy breast tissue.
  2. Lobular. Localization of the tumor is found in the lobules of the breast.
  3. Medullary. It has an accelerated increase in the size of the tumor, quickly begins and gives metastases.
  4. tubular. The origin of malignant cells occurs in the epithelial tissue, and growth is directed to adipose tissue.
  5. Inflammatory. Occurs very rarely. The inflammatory disease is aggressive, the diagnosis is difficult, as it has all the signs of mastitis.

Is there a cure for breast cancer

At the zero stage, breast cancer treatment leads to a 100% recovery. For more later dates there are rarely cases of healing, the question is mainly about prolonging life. After detecting cancer in breast tissue, doctors rely on a five-year patient survival rate. These are average statistics. There are many cases when, after treatment, a woman lived for 20 years or more, forgetting about the terrible diagnosis. It should be remembered that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.

Diagnostics

Detection of breast cancer is an integrated approach, consisting of many methods. The main goals of diagnosis are the detection of seals at an early stage and the choice of a more appropriate method of treatment. Primary changes in the breast can be detected during the examination, both independently and by a surgeon, endocrinologist, oncologist or mammologist. To clarify the nature of the tumor and the degree of spread of cancer, the doctor prescribes laboratory and instrumental studies:

  • Ultrasound of the mammary glands;
  • mammography;
  • biopsy;
  • blood for tumor marker;
  • cytology of discharge from the nipple;
  • blood for abnormal genes (for familial cancer).

How to examine the chest

An important step to early detection of lumps in the breast is regular self-examination. The procedure should become a habit for every woman, regardless of age, to recognize cancer at an early stage. First, you should evaluate how the breast looks: shape, color, size. Then you need to raise your hands up, examine the presence of protrusions of the skin, depressions, redness, rash, swelling or other changes.

Next, you should feel the axillary lymph nodes - they should not be large and cause pain. Then the right and left breasts are carefully examined in a circular motion in the direction from the armpits to the collarbone, from the nipple to the upper abdomen. It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of secretions. Any suspicion is a reason to consult a doctor.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Cancer therapy is prescribed only after all of the above methods of examination. They try to treat breast cancer with the help of local and systemic therapy. With early diagnosis, surgical intervention is more often prescribed. When cancer is detected at a late stage, patients are recommended complex treatment, in which surgical removal of the mammary glands is combined with hormonal, radiation or chemotherapy. Additionally, biological, immunological and alternative treatment can be prescribed.

Treatment without surgery

When a malignant tumor occurs in the breast, some patients refuse surgical intervention, radiation and chemotherapy, citing toxicity and side effects. Among the methods of non-surgical treatment there are acupuncture, Ayurveda, yoga, massage, homeopathy. Sometimes alternative methods of treatment include hypnosis, reading prayers, curative fasting, the use of dietary supplements. The effectiveness of these methods has no evidence, so such therapy is a great risk to the patient's life.

hormone therapy

It is indicated if the malignant neoplasm is sensitive to hormones. To determine this, after examining the mammary glands, an immunohistochemical study of the biopsy material is performed. Based on the results of the examination, the following drugs can be prescribed:

  1. Estrogen receptor modulators. Assign if the tumor has estrogen, progesterone receptors. These drugs include: Tamoxifen, Toremifene, Raloxifene.
  2. Estrogen receptor blockers. Do not allow estradiol molecules to attach to estrogen receptors. The most famous medicines of the group: Faslodex, Fulvestrant.
  3. aromatase inhibitors. Used to reduce the production of the ovarian hormone estrogen during menopause. Exemestane, Anastorozol, Letrozol are widely used in oncological practice.
  4. Progestins. Reduce the secretion of pituitary hormones that produce estrogens, androgens. Oral tablets, vaginal suppositories or ampoules for intramuscular injections are used. This group of drugs includes: Exluton, Continuin, Ovret.

Radiation therapy

It is not used as monotherapy. The role of radiation exposure in complex treatment increases with organ-preserving operations. Depending on the purpose, lymph nodes or the mammary gland (on the side of the lesion) may be exposed to radiation. Radiation therapy is divided into several types:

  • preoperative;
  • postoperative;
  • independent (with inoperable tumors);
  • interstitial (with nodular form).

Chemotherapy

The principle of operation of the method is based on the use of anticancer drugs. They are administered intravenously, drip or orally. The duration of chemotherapy depends on the condition of the patient. One course consists of 4 or 7 cycles. The procedure is prescribed both before and after breast removal. In breast cancer, chemotherapy requires an individual selection of medications.

Surgery

Removal of the tumor occurs in several ways:

  1. Organ-preserving surgery (partial mastectomy, sectoral resection). Only the neoplasm is removed, and the breast remains. The advantage of this technique is the aesthetic appearance of the mammary gland, the minus is the high probability of recurrence and metastasis.
  2. Mactectomy. The chest is removed entirely. Sometimes it is possible to save the skin in order to insert the implant. The surgeon also excised the lymph nodes in the armpit. The advantage of the technique is to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. The disadvantages include a decrease in self-esteem, a one-sided syndrome.

Prevention

In order not to get breast cancer, you should remove the risk factors that lead to the disease: bad habits, physical inactivity, stress, poor nutrition. The main measures to prevent breast cancer include:

  • regular examinations by a mammologist;
  • proper nutrition;
  • breastfeeding;
  • body weight control;
  • no abortions.

Photo of breast cancer

Breast cancer has the highest percentage of cancer deaths in women. The main reason for the difficulty of curing the disease is the late appeal to medical specialists to diagnose the disease. The main risk factors for the onset of the disease are heredity, late onset of menopause (after 55 years), early onset of menstruation (before 12 years), obesity, smoking, radiation, etc.

At the initial stage of the disease, there are no external symptoms of breast cancer. A woman may not suspect a threat to her health. Significant manifestations of breast cancer become after the intensive progression of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to know the symptoms of tumor development in the early stages. The sooner a correct diagnosis is made, the greater the chance of getting positive effect treatment and full recovery.

The main types of disease: non-invasive and invasive. Non-invasive cancer (carcinoma) is an early form of the disease that does not spread to the surrounding tissues of the organ and can be cured. This type of disease develops in a lobule of the gland or in the duct. Invasive forms of cancer affect adjacent tissues of the organ and are more aggressive (malignant).

There are the following invasive forms of breast cancer:

  • Lobular (lobular) form. It is formed in the glandular tissue of the organ with growth subsequently into the surrounding tissues.
  • Ductal (ductal) form. It develops in the wall of the milk duct and spreads to adjacent structures.
  • Inflammatory form. More rare view diseases. Symptoms that are also characteristic of mastitis - pain, redness of the gland, fever, etc. It has adverse effects.
  • Paget's disease. Cancer of the duct of the gland, leading to a change in the shape of the areola and nipple of the breast, as well as the appearance of an ulcer.
  • The rarer forms are medullary, mucinous and tubular cancer mammary gland.

The first symptoms of breast cancer appear so slightly that often a woman tries to drive away the thought of the existing danger. Over time, there are more tangible signs of the development of the disease, which are difficult to ignore. Increasing in size, the tumor involves other structures of the body in the process. There are pain sensations, the intensity of which increases. A visit to the doctor becomes inevitable, but wasted time makes it difficult to get a positive result from the treatment.

According to statistics, a disease diagnosed at stage I can be cured in 90% of cases. Breast cancer, advanced to stage III, is cured in only 40% of patients. If at least one of the following symptoms is manifested, it is necessary to undergo an examination.

It is important for every woman of any age to know how to self-examine her breasts for symptoms of breast cancer. In the menopausal period, a woman's breasts should be examined on the 7-10th day from the onset of menstruation. When there is no soreness and swelling of the breast. If menopause is established, or irregular menstrual cycles are observed, the breast should be examined once a month if the mammary glands are not swollen. The survey should be carried out in the following order:

  • You need to start by examining the linen in places of contact with the nipples. Make sure that there are no spots indicative of nipple discharge. Examine the nipples and the area around them (areola). Make sure there is no redness, peeling, sores, inverted nipples, or other changes.
  • Stand in front of a mirror, bare to the waist, raise your hands behind the back of your head. Take a closer look at the shape of the mammary glands, make sure there are no bulges or dimples in certain places. Asymmetry in the shape and size of the breast is not a symptom of cancer, but the appearance and increase in differences should be taken into account. Pay attention to the color of the skin, if there are any unusual shades, crusty areas.
  • The first signs of tumor formation can be determined in the supine position. To do this, lie on your back and place a small pillow or roller under one shoulder blade. Carefully feel the surface of the gland, making circular movements with the pads and two phalanges of the fingers. Try to identify any seals as you move through the segments. Examine both breasts in this way.
  • Additionally, you can conduct a self-examination under the shower. Soapy fingers can sometimes make it easier to identify pathology in the mammary gland.

If you find any of the symptoms that cause suspicion of the development of tumor formations, you should immediately contact a mammologist. According to his recommendations, undergo ultrasound, mammography and additional studies.

A malignant tumor appears as a result of the rapid reproduction of mutated cells of the glandular tissue of the mammary gland. Unlike benign neoplasms, cancer can spread to neighboring organs. At the initial stage, most often the tumor does not bother the woman. But if seals are found in the chest during self-examination, then you should immediately go to the doctor. Seals in the breast are not necessarily a sign of cancer, but a diagnosis can only be made after an examination by a mammologist.

  1. Nodal. It is a seal with a size of 0.5 cm or more. This form is more common than the others.
  2. diffuse. Such tumors rapidly increase in size, their configuration changes. The tumor spreads throughout the breast.
  3. Nipple cancer. The nipple thickens, increases, ulcers and crusts appear on it. Gradually spreads to the entire gland.

In addition to these forms of cancer, there are also so-called non-cancerous malignancies (sarcomas and metastases spreading from other tumors).

Video: The Importance of Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Forms and signs of diffuse breast cancer

A diffuse type tumor can exist in the following forms: pseudo-inflammatory, erysipelas, armored.

A pseudo-inflammatory tumor is characterized by reddening of the skin, fever, pain in the mammary gland. Tumors of this type are sometimes mistaken for inflammatory diseases. The erysipelatous form has the same symptoms, ulcers appear on the skin of the diseased gland. The armored form is characterized by the formation of a crust that tightens the skin of the chest, due to which the size of the gland decreases.

Recommendation: With reddening of the skin of the chest, the appearance of back pain (if it is not associated with movement or breathing), it is urgent to go to the appointment with a mammologist, as these may be hidden symptoms of breast cancer.

Stages of breast cancer and their signs

Breast cancer develops in 4 stages:

  1. Zero. These include: ductal carcinoma (the tumor develops inside the milk ducts, does not spread to neighboring organs), invasive lobular carcinoma (consists of cells that form lobules).
  2. First. The size of the tumor is less than 2 cm. The lymph nodes are not affected.
  3. Second. Tumor size up to 5 cm, grows into adipose tissue, may spread to the lymphatic system or remain within the gland. At these stages, the probability of cure is 75-90%.
  4. Third. The size of the tumor is more than 5 cm, extends to the skin of the chest, lymph nodes, chest.
  5. Fourth. The tumor extends beyond the chest, spreads to the bones, liver, lungs, and also to the brain. At this stage, cancer is incurable.

Symptoms of breast cancer in women

Sometimes breast cancer manifests itself only as swelling of the axillary lymph nodes. In this case, the tumor has no other external signs. It is especially difficult to notice their appearance in large breasts. If the lymph nodes are slightly swollen, painless and move when palpated, then this is not dangerous, it may indicate inflammatory disease. But if they are large, solid, merge with each other, then this indicates the malignant nature of the tumor, the defeat of the lymph nodes by metastases.

The first symptoms of the appearance of a cancerous tumor

The first symptoms of breast cancer can be detected through self-diagnosis. A woman should have a breast examination every month. First of all, you need to pay attention to such signs:

  • the appearance of seals - with cancer they are shapeless, the surface is uneven;
  • pain when pressing on the chest;
  • asymmetric location of the mammary glands, violation of the symmetry of the nipples.

Since breast diseases are inextricably linked with diseases of the organs of the reproductive system, endocrine glands, indirect signs, such as menstrual irregularities and infertility, should also alert a woman.

The mammary glands can differ from each other in size even in a healthy woman. This sign is worth paying attention to if the sensations in the mammary glands that occur during menstruation are amplified in one of them. Such symptoms are also characteristic of mastopathy, fibroadenoma.

One of the signs of the appearance of benign or malignant breast tumors in women is an increase in the size of the lymph nodes. Benign tumors differ from malignant ones in that the seals move freely when pressed on the chest, do not grow together with the skin, have a smooth surface and a spherical shape, and are soft to the touch. They consist of overgrown cells of connective or adipose tissue, do not spread to neighboring areas, grow, as a rule, slowly, and may not show themselves for years.

Video: Signs of breast cancer

Typical symptoms of a malignant tumor

Symptoms of breast cancer differ from benign neoplasms:

  • rapid increase in the size of seals (from 0.5 to 10 cm);
  • retraction of skin areas over the tumor;
  • a rapid change in external signs (seals become harder, the skin over them coarsens, ulcers appear);
  • redness of the skin, the appearance of swelling;
  • discharge from the nipple (purulent, with blood impurities);
  • retraction of the nipple;
  • change in the surface of the mammary gland, the appearance of resemblance to a lemon peel.

Video: Unusual signs of breast cancer

Causes of breast cancer

As possible causes The occurrence of breast cancer can include:

  • chest injuries, operations (for mastitis, for example);
  • hormonal disorders caused by endocrine diseases, as well as infectious diseases organs of the genitourinary system, liver;
  • violation of the reproductive system, the onset of menstruation at an early age, late onset of menopause, lack of sexual activity in reproductive age, abortions;
  • tumor diseases of other organs;
  • exposure to radiation.

An important role is played by the factor of heredity. Breast cancer is more common in older women than in younger women. The risk of the disease is increased in women who smoke and regularly drink alcohol.

Methods for diagnosing breast cancer

To determine the stage of the disease and the possibility of treatment, a tumor is examined using mammography, ultrasound. A biopsy of the tumor tissue is taken. The most accurate method to determine the nature of the tumor, its size, shape, spread of metastases, is MRI. Such information is of particular value before the operation and in the postoperative period.



Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The tumor consists of undifferentiated malignant cells that replace glandular tissue. The urgency of the disease increased in the late seventies of the last century. The disease was characterized by a predominant lesion of women over the age of fifty. A feature of modern oncopathogenesis is a disease in childbearing age.

How long do people live with breast cancer?

This question is of interest to all patients admitted to the oncology dispensary. It is asked in order to find out the truth, even if it is terrible.

Any doctor knows that predictions of the outcome of the disease should be approached with caution. There are known examples of inhibition of carcinogenesis of advanced stages and accelerated development of breast cancer detected in the early stages.

However, a patient with an early operable form of oncology is more likely to recover, if we abstract from:

    individual characteristics (age, the presence of concomitant diseases, support and understanding of relatives and friends, attitude to the struggle for life);

    efficiency and timeliness of treatment.

There are known cases of preservation of the mammary gland in the detection of pathogenesis in the early stages of the disease. Oncologists sometimes decide to remove the breast. It's annoying, but not fatal. The support of loved ones is important.

In pathogenesis with metastases to other parts of the body, the prognosis is cautious, it is necessary to fight, because it is possible to suppress the growth of pathological cells even at this stage.


The first signs of breast cancer


Women often face breast problems in the form of nodular or extensive seals and other signs that are frighteningly similar to oncology. Fortunately, not all formations are malignant.

Pain and tightness in the chest are accompanied by:

Refrain or refuse to use:

    Products containing soy (added to sausages, sausages, some herbal products);

    Canned, smoked meat of any kind (ham, ham);

    Moderate consumption of sugar, salt;

    Canned juices.

Helpful information: Few people know that regular beta-carotene (provitamin A) reduces the likelihood of developing mastopathy and breast cancer by 40%!

Disability in breast cancer


The duration of treatment for breast cancer is about four months, then the issue of working capacity is decided. A favorable factor for the restoration of working capacity is the most complete elimination of the symptoms of the disease, confirmed by all studies.

Extension of the period of incapacity for work is possible after passing a medical and social examination. Based on its results, the issue of assigning disability is decided in relation to the patient.

There are disabilities according to the degree of preservation of viability:

    III degree - the smallest loss;

    II degree - moderate loss;

    I degree - a pronounced limitation.

For each degree of disability there are objective criteria, confirmed by clinical, laboratory and instrumental studies. In the case of an extremely hopeless condition, a sick woman is prescribed palliative care.


Education: completed residency at the Russian Scientific Cancer Center named after N.N. N. N. Blokhin” and received a diploma in the specialty “Oncologist”


Cancer is a malignant neoplasm that is constantly growing and as a result can metastasize first to the nearest tissues, organs and lymph nodes, and then through the blood to any place in the body.

Before considering all the symptoms of cancer, it is necessary to clarify one small detail for readers. You must understand that even the totality of any signs may not necessarily indicate a malignant cancer. Often these are common diseases, infection, inflammation, which can manifest themselves in the same way.

Organ cancer only early stages is tied to a specific tissue, later after development into phase 4, the tumor begins to spread metastases that can cover any organs.

To find out exactly if you have an oncological disease, you must pass, for biochemistry and. And after confirmation connect additional ways diagnostics: MRI, CT, ultrasound, etc. Consider all the common symptoms of cancer and how to recognize oncology?

Headache

If you have a constant headache for no apparent reason in one place, then this may also indicate brain cancer. At the same time, donating blood for tumor markers is not worth it, since the tumor does not have a specific antigen and it is better to immediately go for an MRI.

tumor markers

  • Bun S100

Birthmarks of an unusual and strange shape

Usually strange moles that are irregular in shape, as well as strange age spots, indicate melanoma or skin cancer. You can go first of all to donate blood for the oncomarker S-100.

Elevated temperature

If you constantly have chills, fever without additional reasons - snot and other signs indicating a cold. It is impossible to say what kind of cancer this symptom indicates. Therefore, first of all, you need to pass a general and biochemical blood test. The temperature in cancer lasts quite a long time.

Lumps in the chest

Usually indicates breast cancer in women. On palpation, it is necessary to note exactly the solid clots inside the mammary gland. Collectively, any mucous fluids with bad smell. In this case, you should immediately go to a mammologist, who, after examination, will send you to an oncologist for examinations.

tumor markers

  • SA 15-3

Deteriorated condition of nails and hair

When the tumor is actively developing, it is produced in the blood a large number of antibodies and waste products, and severe inflammation is possible. Plus, the neoplasm itself consumes a large amount of energy and nutrients for growth. Therefore, nails and hair may not be enough. In this case, the hair may fall out, their color becomes dull, and the nails become brittle and constantly peel off.

Bleeding from the vagina

Usually indicates cancer of the body of the uterus, ovaries. In addition, the lower abdomen may hurt. In the intermenstrual period, there may be heavy bleeding, and it also happens that blood is present in the urine.

tumor markers

  • SA 125

NOTE! To quickly diagnose uterine cancer, you just need to visit a gynecologist once a year, who can recognize the disease in time. At the same time, a neoplasm is very clearly visible on the cervix.

Frequent fainting

If fainting occurs for no known reason. That could indicate brain cancer. In this case, a clinical and biochemical blood test is given, and then the doctor is already looking at the test results.

Bumps on the bones

If you have hard lumps on your legs, arms, thigh, or shoulder, then this may indicate bone cancer. But you must understand that they could arise from bruises or fractures. You should immediately consult a doctor and take an x-ray of the bones.

tumor markers

  • TRAP 5b

Distractedness and memory impairment

Indicates that a cancerous tumor has begun to grow seriously in the head. This is due to the fact that the tumor uses a lot of resources for its growth.

Decreased appetite

This is accompanied by significant weight loss. It can indicate both cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, and on. At later stages, it can refer to almost any oncology.

Profuse sweating

If everything was fine with you before, and then you abruptly began to sweat constantly, even in a cool room, then this may indicate a violation nervous system. Usually refers to a number of malignancies in the neuroendocrine region.

Heat

If you feel hot flashes in your face and throughout your body at different intervals, then this may indicate cancer of the endocrine system.

Mood change

It can indicate both brain cancer and some tumors that affect the hormonal background of a woman.

vision loss

Indicates malignant neoplasms of the optic nerve. But maybe because severe stress, physical blows or external factors. Also, vision falls due to genetics. Against the background, general well-being worsens.

Abdominal pain

May indicate cancer of the stomach, pancreas, or intestines. At the same time, the type of pain is similar to gastritis or an ulcer. In this case, it is imperative to undergo an examination of fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) and fluoroscopy of the stomach. The disadvantage of this group of oncology is that the first signs of cancer appear only at stage 3.

weight loss weight loss

It should be noted here that the decline is rapid and despite the fact that a person does not lose weight, does not diet and does not play sports. It usually indicates cancer in the colon, small intestine, or rectum. In addition, there may be a difficult act of defecation, a constant feeling that the intestines are full.

Skin color changes

Yellow color usually indicates pathologies in the liver and pancreas. In this case, when the color changes, the color of the sclera of the tongue may change and skin itching may appear. I would also like to add that this can also occur at the last stage of almost any cancer, when metastases reach the liver.

Labored breathing

Dry cough, later sputum appears. At the very beginning, a cough may be without any symptoms at all. After that, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, shortness of breath may appear. Indicates, but cough may also be present in stomach cancer, but in more rare cases.

Difficult to swallow

May indicate cancer of the pharynx, throat. In this case, the tumor can grow to such a size that a person then simply cannot swallow, as well as breathe.

Heartburn

When gastric juice enters the esophagus due to a tumor. In this case, a person constantly feels severe heartburn. It can indicate both stomach cancer and duodenal cancer.

Enlarged lymph nodes

By itself, edema mainly appears on the face. This is due to the fact that the lymph nodes react to the tumor. It can indicate cancer of anything, which is why it is better to immediately consult a doctor and take blood tests.

Swelling of the upper body

Squeezing of the lymphatic vessels and circulatory system near the lungs due to a growing tumor leads to the fact that puffiness appears on the face and in the upper body. Occurs against the background of frequent smoking.

Fatigue

The tumor has waste products that are intensively produced in the blood, plus with the growth of cancer, the tumor can prevent normal functioning organ due to which stagnation of substances occurs. There is intoxication, pain in the head, malaise, constant weakness in oncology.

Blood in stool


Indicates bowel cancer. It may also be accompanied by a difficult act of defecation due to the fact that the cancerous tumor has already grown strongly. At the same time, the chair acquires dark color because of the blood. It is necessary to urgently consult a doctor, because later, due to the tumor, the patient will not be able to go to the toilet at all. Blood appears as a result of damage to the vessels by the tumor as a result of violent growth.

Constipation, diarrhea

A general disorder of the digestive process may indicate several oncological zones: from stomach cancer to the intestines.

Difficulty urinating

It is not always accompanied by pain, usually it can already begin at stages 1, 2 of prostate cancer. Due to the fact that the prostate gland swells and narrows urethra. Then the man needs to make every effort and tighten the press in order to go "in a small way."

In the last stages of cancer, the act of urination may not be possible at all, and doctors put a catheter. A cancerous tumor overwhelms the nerves responsible for male libido, and the man begins to have sexual problems.

Blood in the urine

In men, it can be associated with prostate cancer, and in women, cancer develops in the uterus. At the same time, these diseases at stage 3 begin to affect the nearest organs, kidneys, liver and bladder from which there may also be blood.

Swelling of the scrotum and penis

Testicular or penile cancer. But in the last stage of a prostate tumor, these symptoms may also appear. Plus there is swelling of the lower extremities.

Back pain

This does not always indicate osteochondrosis or inflammation in the spine. Sometimes it can be cancer of the vertebrae.

Discharge from the nipples

Accompanied by pain in the chest. Indicates defeat. cancer cells breast with metastases. In addition, it is best to check the breast itself for lumps and if there are any, then immediately consult a doctor. The discharge itself smells bad.

What can cause cancer?

The exact causes of cancer development have not yet been established, but there are several factors and assumptions.

  1. Improper nutrition
  2. Ecology
  3. Work related to pesticides and chemistry.
  4. Smoking
  5. Alcohol
  6. Genetics
  7. Unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases.
  8. Stress

How to detect cancer at an early stage?

Not all of the above symptoms of oncology indicate that you have a malignant tumor. But if there are at least 10 signs of cancer, then you should worry. But you must understand that it is impossible to identify the disease only by internal symptoms and it is worth resorting to other studies.

How to fully detect cancer?

  1. Take a blood test with a leukocyte formula
  2. Donate blood for biochemistry
  3. Tests for tumor markers.
  4. Biopsy of suspicious tissue.

Signs of cancer in women

Oncological diseases in women appear a little brighter in the initial stages than in men. During pregnancy, this can lead to miscarriage.