What are suspicions of cancer?
Sometimes it can happen very quickly: By chance, something is felt on the breast in the shower that wasn't there before. The birthmark on the forearm has become darker. Suddenly uncertainties appear on the scene. The concern about a bad diagnosis grows. Questions like "How often should you go for breast cancer screening?" circle around in your head. A trained eye is important now, because early action provides clarity and improves treatment options. What the warning signs of cancer are and what patients should do if they suspect cancer.
10 signs that may indicate cancer
There are countless types of cancer. They differ, among other things, in the localization, aggressiveness and the discomfort that emanates from the disease. Because different cancers manifest themselves differently, the warning symptoms are also different. Doctors advise to be alert when certain symptoms appear.
Symptoms often appear when cancer grows, presses on or penetrates nearby organs, blood vessels or nerves. But there are also general symptoms, which are mainly caused by fast growing tumors, such as fever, weight loss and night sweats. Many of the symptoms can also be triggered by other diseases. However, if such symptoms do not disappear again or become worse, they should be clarified by your doctor.
Such symptoms are:
1. Weight loss of more than 5 kg of unknown cause 2. Fever 3. Night sweats 4. Fatigue and exhaustion 5. Loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting 6. Palpable lumps in the body, lumps or thickening in the breast 7. New onset of pain with no apparent cause that doesn't go away 8. Skin changes such as bleeding lumps, a newly appeared mole, or changes in a mole (coloration, thickness, outline, size, surface) 9. yellowing of the eyes or skin or pallor 10. Persistent cough or hoarseness 11. Bleeding, for example blood in stool, blood in sputum, blood in urine, bleeding from the vagina that cannot be attributed to the period. 12. Indigestion. This includes persistent constipation or diarrhea, change in stool 13. Pain when urinating 14. Headache 15. Changes in the mouth, ulcers, numbness, bleeding or pain 16. Neurological abnormalities such as speech disorders, paralysis, coordination problems, visual disturbances
In early stages, cancers often do not cause relevant symptoms. This is why physical introspection is so important. Patients are generally advised to see a doctor if symptoms persist long-term or even increase.
Diagnosis of cancer: How does the doctor recognize or. the doctor cancer?
To be able to classify symptoms correctly, medicine has a large tool box. First and foremost is the medical history, i.e. asking precise questions about the complaints, how and when they become noticeable. This is followed by a clinical examination. Abnormalities are not always visible to the naked eye or palpable with the hands. However, the doctors can carry out or initiate further examinations to exclude or confirm a suspicion of cancer.
Endoscopy, also called endoscopy, can be used to examine organs inside the body. Most commonly known from gastroscopy and colonoscopy, but also in other organs such as bladder, uterus or bronchus can be seen and if necessary samples can be taken.
X-rays for radiographs or computed tomography scans, magnetic fields, ultrasound, and radioactive materials allow a look inside the body. If breast cancer is suspected, for example, an X-ray of the breast (mammography) is usually performed first. Other imaging techniques include: Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, scintigraphy, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound.
If an area is suspicious, a sampling of cells or tie may be useful. After staining, the pathologist can then look at the individual cells under the microscope and, if necessary, diagnose a tumor. Such a sampling is called a biopsy. It can be used in different regions of the body and clarify whether u. a. the changes in the cervix, prostate or colon are harmless.
Blood, urine, tie and cells are informative when it comes to changes. The body's own material obtained from a biopsy or cell smears (cervical smear) can be examined under the microscope. Various staining methods and molecular genetic tests can further confirm suspicions and differentiate between different types of tumors.
In some cases, the genetic material of the tumor cells can help to distinguish the tumors even more precisely. Such distinctions exist, for example, in blood cancers. Other tumors have genetic alterations that drive tumor growth, so-called driver mutations. Inhibitory drugs are now available for some of these driver mutations, so that tumors with these mutations are advised to receive a specific therapy on a personalized basis.
Good to know!
It is best to detect cancer early, while it is still easily treatable. For some tumor types, there are early detection methods for which the benefit has been proven. These are also paid for by your AOK. In colorectal cancer screening by Colonoscopy can even prevent cancer, because pre-cancerous lesions are removed during colonoscopy before they become cancerous.
Early detection of cervical cancer has massively reduced the incidence of what used to be the most common tumor in women. Far too many people do not take part in early cancer detection; for example, early detection of colorectal cancer by colonoscopy reaches only slightly more than 40 percent of people at the age designated for it.
What services does the AOK offer for early cancer detection and treatment??
The services provided by the AOK vary from region to region. By entering your postal code, we can determine the AOK responsible for you and display suitable services provided by your AOK.
Cancer screening makes the difference
Cancer screening offers the possibility of detecting a disease at an early stage. Treatment can then be initiated directly. This significantly improves the outlook for the patient. A look at the statistics shows that before 1980, two thirds of all cancer patients died of their disease. Today's statistics look different. According to this, more than half of all patients can be confident of a permanent cure.
This is not least the merit of preventive examinations. Insured persons can take advantage of a wide range of early detection measures.
When should you go for breast cancer screening?
Of all cancers, breast cancer is the most common in women. Therefore, regular use of preventive examinations is the most important measure against this cancer. These start especially with regard to breast cancer after the age of 30. The colonoscopy is performed before the age of also includes regular self-examination.
What are the causes of breast cancer? This is a question that concerns many women. In addition to age, a possible family history of breast cancer and hormone therapy, breastfeeding appears to have a protective effect. It is possible that avoidance of obesity and adequate exercise may also have a protective effect, but in any case protects against cardiovascular disease.