Given the type of carcinogen, several types of damage to the structure of chromosomes are identified. The physical form of carcinogens lead to molecular chain breaks or point damage. This is the result of the molecules receiving a large amount of energy or the result of the emergence of a large number of free radicals, which carry the collapse of cellular structures. Ultraviolet and X-rays work in the same way.

Carcinogens and DNA molecules react with each other, forming new chemical bonds. There are also biological carcinogens that alter the very properties of DNA. These are, first of all, viruses that enter the structure of the cell.

A malignant tumor can develop as a result of chronic inflammation of the body or foreign bodies. A number of drugs can act as a carcinogen.

What is oncology

Oncology is a part of medicine and biology that studies the appearance, development and detection of tumors. Also, within this framework, methods for their diagnosis, prevention and treatment are being developed.

In case of symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Neoplasms in oncology are of two types: benign and malignant. Let's look at these types in more detail below.

Types of tumors

Malignant tumor. The most common type, which is fraught with a serious danger to life. Often, these tumors arise as a result of rapid mutation and cell enlargement. They often give metastases, then penetrating into other organs and tissues.

Fortunately, most of this type of tumor is treatable, however, if they are diagnosed at the beginning of their development. Because of this, body screening is an important process for people who are at risk for cancer or who have some of the symptoms of cancer.

Benign tumor. Often these neoplasms do not carry a risk to health and life, they can be treated surgically. Their names depend on the organ in which they originate and are located. Turning to the specifics, the most famous are papillomas, uterine fibroids in women, prostate adenoma in males.

Considering that these formations do not harm health, in case of tumor growth or the growth of new ones, it is necessary to contact an oncologist as soon as possible.

Causes of Cancer

According to scientists, by 2020 the number of cancer patients will increase to 16 million, which is almost 2 times more than in 2000. This is due to the aging of the world's population, a change in human lifestyle, and unfavorable ecology. To reduce the number of these patients, it is important to carry out prevention of neoplasms, increase the level of detection of the disease and its treatment.

Scientists are confident that by reducing the pressure on a person of harmful factors, the likelihood of a tumor will drop significantly. It is very important to systematically see doctors for those who have cancer patients in their family.

In the vast majority of cases, cancer is acquired due to the negative impact of the environment, an unhealthy lifestyle. There are such negative factors:

• unbalanced diet, harmful and low-quality products, improper diet - 35%;
• infectious diseases - 10%;
• smoking - 30%;
• various kinds of radiation (usually UV and X-ray) - 7%;
• sedentary lifestyle - about 5%;
• exposure to carcinogens by profession - about 5%;
• the impact of quality of life on reproductive functions - about 5%;
• polluted environment - about 2%.

Reducing the risk of cancer

Given all of the above, it is important to follow the following guidelines to reduce the risk of oncology:

• Reduce the effect of carcinogens on the body. To do this, you need to give up excessive alcohol consumption, stop smoking, optimize your diet, etc. In addition, it is important to get vaccinated in a timely manner, systematically undergo tests for the presence of oncological markers so that you never know what oncology is.
• Check the presence of cancer patients in the family, monitor their health in precancerous conditions.
• Identify people with symptoms of cancer or its inception, carry out research on time and prescribe timely treatment.

Oncology in women and men

Every year for a long time, experts have noted a terrible trend, which is the growth of cancer in women, quite often with a connection with the reproductive system. The cervix, ovaries, vagina, fallopian tubes, and external genitalia are more susceptible to oncological diseases than usual.

In most cases, malignant tumors in the reproductive system of women appear as a result of a response to any negative external factors. Often, tumors are born with untreated inflammatory processes in the body that have created all the conditions for their development. Also, the causes of neoplasms can be trauma during childbirth, hormonal imbalance, age, contraceptives.

Over the past few years, malignant tumors in the cervix have been one of the most common cancers in women of childbearing age. The tumor often appears in the place of scars, erosion, which usually appear after childbirth or abortion. After forty-five years, you need to think about what oncology is. In women's affairs, it is important to undergo examinations every six months, the doctor will be able to determine changes in the mucous membrane in time and eliminate the spread of the disease.

Women over fifty should be wary of the oncology of the uterine body. The harbingers of this disease are often hypertension, overweight, diabetes mellitus. The main symptom is bleeding from the vagina. If you do not seek help and start, the discharge can become very painful.

Also widespread among women is such an oncological disease as ovarian cancer. Such oncology can affect a woman at any age. Nevertheless, experts consider the interval between forty and sixty years to be the most dangerous age. Often, oncology progresses in those women who are not sexually active or have chronic inflammation of the uterine appendages. The main signs may be weakness, discomfort in the lower abdomen, general weakness of the body. It should be noted that in the initial stages of a malignant tumor it is rather difficult to make a competent diagnosis. An experienced gynecologist, after a thorough examination, will listen to the patient's complaints and will definitely prescribe more examinations, explain what oncology (disease) is in order to identify the disease.

All of the above indicates how much it is necessary to monitor your health, lifestyle, not expose the body to hypothermia and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Cancer Symptoms

Below we consider the factors that need to be monitored for early diagnosis of cancer.

• Density in the mammary gland.
• Pain.
• Testicular changes. It is important to carefully monitor the size of the testicles, whether it be a decrease or an increase, so as not to find out what oncology is in men. Also, the appearance of a feeling of heaviness or swelling in the scrotum should not be left to chance.
• Enlargement / reduction of lymph nodes.
• Fever.
• Weird weight loss.
• Abdominal pain and depression.
• Fatigue.
• Persistent cough.
• Painful swallowing.

• Changes on the surface of the skin. If you have moles that are known to be a known sign of possible skin cancer, it is important to keep an eye on them and understand what cancer is, as any change in them can have negative consequences.
• The appearance of blood where it should not be.
• Changes in the oral mucosa.
• Painful urination.
• Stomach problems.
• Vaginal discharge between cycles and other unexplained bleeding. To never know what oncology is in women, find out what is the norm for you. If a woman does not have any discharge between cycles for a long time, their sudden appearance may be an abnormal phenomenon. However, there are exceptions everywhere, and it is important to get tested. At the appointment, the doctor will examine you, explain in detail what oncology is. Photo, x-ray, ultrasound or other examinations will show the cause of the disease.

Oncology of the body of the uterus is a well-known type of cancer of the reproductive organs of a woman. A third of women diagnosed with this type of cancer had unexplained bleeding as the first precursor of the disease.

stage four cancer

Cancer is one of the most serious diseases. If cancer is detected in the early stages, it is quite successfully treated, but if it is diagnosed late, the tumor will be very difficult to treat. Often neoplasms arise and spread asymptomatically. Patients go to the doctor only at the onset of the final stage of the disease. Oncologists prescribe systematic examinations for signs much earlier than the tumor enlargement to the 4th degree.

Consider what is oncology of the 4th degree. The signs of stage four cancer are fairly easy to understand. A neoplasm can become of any size, however, a surgical operation here is inappropriate: at the 4th stage of the disease, the cells of a malignant tumor managed to move to untouched organs. Increasing, the neoplasm affects an increasing number of internal tissues and organs. As a result, death occurs.

Stage 4 cancer treatment

Experts say that a favorable method of therapy for the final stage of the disease is a palliative method. This is a type of medical care that allows the patient to maximize the quality of survival. To this end, the patient is offered to continue all types of prescribed therapies. In this case, this therapy is aimed at reducing tumor growth and stopping the process of metastasis, and not at getting rid of a malignant neoplasm.

The life span at this stage of cancer depends on the diseased organ and the type of neoplasm. In most cases, unfortunately, a negative prognosis is made here and the life expectancy is short: up to a few months. But there are exceptions: patients with the fourth degree live for five or more years, but experts do not take them into account, since the survival rate is very negligible.

The patient has a chance to survive in case of adequate treatment from a couple of months to several years. It depends on the type of neoplasm and its aggressiveness. An important aspect here is the quality of palliative care provided to the patient.

Therapy for stage 4 cancer consists in choosing those medicines that will relieve the pain of a person to the maximum. Further, the patient already at home receives care from relatives. Hospice staff systematically visit the patient, train relatives in ways to help the sick.

Often a cancer patient and his family need the help of a psychologist. Patients with cancer often become aggressive, quickly change their mood. It is important to endure this ordeal and remember that one more day lived is a victory.

Instead of a conclusion

Taking into account the dynamics of improving high-tech methods of cancer therapy, a large number of patients taking various surgical treatments today, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, will soon be able to completely recover from the disease. But rehabilitation for adaptation in society is not well developed, because of this, after undergoing a radical intervention, the patient is left alone with himself.

It is important to add that all patients (with and without disabilities) who have undergone surgery should receive rehabilitation, because cancer as a diagnosis is always a shock, and treatment options are often harsh.

Despite all the complex issues, the severity of the disease and its course, due to timely diagnosis and, accordingly, timely treatment, as well as optimally selected therapy, about 45% of patients emerge victorious from the battle with a cancerous tumor and forget what oncology is. Each person has a chance to recover or to extend his life, even if it is only a couple of years. Therefore, do not despair and refuse medical help.

The first place in terms of incidence among oncogynecological diseases is occupied by cancer of the uterine body, or endometrial cancer. In Russia, up to 16 thousand new cases of the disease are detected every year, and the number of cases is constantly increasing.

Pathology affects mainly women after 60 years, but can also occur at a younger age. About 40% of patients become ill before menopause. In the last decade, the incidence of women under the age of 29 has been growing at the highest rate.

The tumor is accompanied by a rapid onset of symptoms that force a woman to see a doctor. This leads to the fact that up to 90% of uterine cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, which significantly improves the prognosis.

Causes and risk factors

With many oncological pathologies, the exact cause of their occurrence is unknown. This also applies to uterine cancer. Pathology is considered a "disease of civilization" that occurs under the influence of adverse external conditions, dietary habits and lifestyle.

Factors predisposing to uterine cancer:

• late first menstruation;
• only after 55 years;
• long;
• and hormonally active tumor of these organs (Brenner's cancer);
• obesity;
• diabetes;
• long-term use of estrogenic hormones without combination with gestagens;
• treatment with antiestrogenic drugs (Tamoxifen);
• lack of sexual activity or pregnancy;
• cases of illness in close relatives.

Endometrial cancer of the uterus occurs against the background of a complex of hormonal imbalances, metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.

The main pathogenetic types of the disease:

• hormone-dependent (in 70% of patients);
• autonomous.

In the first variant, ovulation disorders combined with obesity or diabetes lead to increased estrogen production. Acting on the inner uterine layer - the endometrium, estrogens cause increased reproduction of its cells and their - an increase in size and change in properties. Gradually, hyperplasia becomes malignant, developing into precancer and cancer of the uterus.

Hormone-dependent uterine cancer is often combined with a tumor of the intestine, breast or ovary, as well as with ovarian sclerocystosis (Stein-Leventhal syndrome). This tumor grows slowly. It is sensitive to progestogens and has a relatively favorable course.

Signs that increase the risk of hormone-dependent cancer:

• infertility, late menopause, anovulatory bleeding;
• ovaries and hyperplastic processes in them (tecomatosis);
• obesity;
• improper estrogen treatment, adrenal adenoma or cirrhosis of the liver, causing hormonal changes.

The autonomous variant often develops in postmenopausal women against the background of ovarian and endometrial atrophy. There is no hormonal dependence. The tumor is characterized by a malignant course, rapidly spreading deep into the tissues and through the lymphatic vessels.

There is a genetic theory of cancer, according to which cell mutations are programmed in DNA.

The main stages of the formation of a malignant tumor of the uterus:

• lack of ovulation and an increase in estrogen levels under the influence of provoking factors;
• development of background processes - polyps and endometrial hyperplasia;
• precancerous disorders - atypia with hyperplasia of epithelial cells;
• preinvasive cancer that does not penetrate the mucous membrane;
• minimal penetration into the myometrium;
• pronounced form.

Classification

Cancer of the body of the uterus is classified depending on the size of the tumor, its penetration into the muscle layer, growth in the surrounding organs, damage to the lymph nodes and the presence of distant metastases. It is used both for staging according to the TNM system, and according to the classification of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO).

A tumor that does not extend beyond the endometrium is called preinvasive. It is referred to as carcinoma in situ, Tis, or stage 0.

There are 4 stages of uterine cancer

1. The tumor affects only the body of the uterus:

• endometrium (T1a or IA);
• myometrium up to half the depth (T1b or IB);
• more than half the depth of the myometrium (T1c or IC).

2. Malignant cells are found in the neck:

• only in the glandular layer (T2a or IIA);
• the tumor penetrates into the deep layers of the cervix (T2b or IIB).

3. The tumor goes to the vagina, appendages or lymph nodes:

• damage to the outer serous layer of the uterus and / or appendages (T3a or IIIA);
• extension to the vagina (T3b or IIIB);
• there are metastases in the pelvic or peri-aortic lymph nodes (N1 or IIIC).

4. Uterine cancer of the 4th degree with metastases:

• into the bladder or rectum (T4 or IVA);
• in the lungs, liver, bones, distant lymph nodes (M1 or IVB).

In addition, different degrees of differentiation of tumor cells are distinguished: from G1 (high degree of cell maturity) to 3 (poorly differentiated tumor). The more pronounced differentiation, the slower the neoplasm grows and the less likely it is to metastasize. With poorly differentiated cancer, the prognosis worsens.

Depending on the microscopic structure, the following morphological types of cancer are distinguished:

• adenocarcinoma;
• light cell;
• squamous;
• glandular squamous;
• serous;
• musical;
• undifferentiated.

Morphological type largely determines malignancy. So, the course of undifferentiated cancer is unfavorable, and with a squamous cell tumor, the probability of recovery is quite high.

The neoplasm can grow exophytically (into the lumen of the uterus), endophytically (into the thickness of the muscular wall) or have a mixed character.

Cancer is localized in the fundus and body of the uterus, in its lower segment the tumor is found less frequently.

Symptoms

Often, a patient sees a doctor when she has the first signs of uterine cancer in the early stages. First of all, these are irregular spotting in young women that do not coincide with the menstrual cycle. Postmenopausal women experience uterine bleeding. Young patients develop light leucorrhea.

Bleeding occurs not only in endometrial cancer, but also in many other diseases. This is associated with difficulties in the early diagnosis of the disease, especially in young women. They can be observed for a long time about.

Other symptoms of uterine cancer appear in later stages. With the accumulation of blood in the cavity of the organ, pain appears in the lower abdomen. Prolonged pain syndrome occurs when the neoplasm grows on the appendages and spreads along the peritoneum.

Abundant watery or mucous discharge in uterine cancer is characteristic of older women.

If the bladder is damaged, frequent painful urination is possible. If the rectum is involved, constipation, pain during defecation, blood in the stool appear.

Common signs of oncopathology are weakness, deterioration in performance, nausea, lack of appetite, weight loss.

How fast does uterine cancer develop?

With a high degree of differentiation, the tumor grows slowly, over several years. Poorly differentiated forms have a high rate of reproduction of malignant cells. In this case, a clinically pronounced tumor can develop within a few months.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells is possible through the lymphatic tract, blood vessels and peritoneum.

Lymphogenic metastasis is carried out in the nearest (regional) lymph nodes of the pelvis. At an early stage and high differentiation (G1-G2), the probability of damage to the lymph nodes does not exceed 1%. If cancer cells invade the myometrium, the risk of metastasis increases to 6%. If the tumor affects a large area, penetrates deep into the uterine wall or spreads to the neck, metastases in the lymph nodes are found in 25% of patients.

Hematogenous metastasis occurs later. Tumor cells travel through the blood vessels to the lungs, bones, and liver.

Implantation metastases occur on the peritoneum and omentum during the germination of the outer layer of the uterus and damage to the fallopian tubes.

Diagnostics

Screening studies for early detection of education are not carried out. It is believed that for timely recognition, you only need to be observed annually by a gynecologist.

Analysis for tumor markers, the most common of which is considered to be CA-125, is usually not carried out. It is considered an additional method for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and early detection of relapses.

The simplest diagnostic method is aspiration of the contents of the uterus with a special syringe and histological examination (). At an early stage, the information content of this method does not exceed 36%; with a widespread tumor, its signs can be detected in 90% of patients. To increase the accuracy of the study, it can be carried out repeatedly. Aspiration biopsy does not require dilatation of the cervical canal and is performed on an outpatient basis.

Instrumental diagnosis of uterine cancer:

• : the thickness of the endometrium in postmenopausal women should not exceed 4 mm.
• with a biopsy of a suspicious area of ​​​​the endometrium and its microscopic examination.

To determine the prevalence of the tumor and damage to the lymph nodes, it is carried out. Unlike ultrasound, the method helps to clarify the condition of the lymph nodes in 82% of patients.

An x-ray of the lungs is required to exclude metastases in them.

Can uterine cancer be seen on ultrasound?

The doctor should be alerted by ultrasound data of the uterus if an increase in M-echo (endometrial thickness) of more than 4 mm in older women or 10-16 mm in patients before menopause is recorded.

With an M-echo value of more than 12 mm in young women, an aspiration biopsy is prescribed. If this value is 5-12 mm, hysteroscopy and targeted biopsy are performed (taking material from a suspicious area).

When a tumor is detected on ultrasound, you can determine:

• the size and contours of the uterus;
• the structure of the myometrium;
• the location of the tumor;
• depth of germination in the myometrium;
• damage to the internal pharynx, ovaries and lymph nodes.

Additional information is provided by color Doppler mapping - an ultrasound examination of blood vessels, which makes it possible to assess the speed and intensity of blood flow in the vessels of the uterus and the tumor focus.

Hysteroscopy is the most important diagnostic method that allows you to assess the severity and extent of the tumor and take material for histological analysis.

If uterine cancer is suspected, it is necessary to perform the walls of the cervical canal and endometrium.

How to determine uterine cancer with a minimum lesion size?

A modern method for detecting early stages of endometrial cancer is fluorescent diagnostics. Special substances are introduced into the body that selectively accumulate in cancer cells. When the inner surface of the uterus is irradiated with a laser, these substances begin to glow. This allows you to see tumor foci up to 1 mm and take a targeted biopsy. At an early stage, the sensitivity of such a diagnosis reaches 80%.

The final diagnosis is confirmed according to the scraping of the uterus. If the tumor is located in the upper part of the organ, it is recognized in 78% of cases, and with a widespread lesion - in 100% of cases.

Uterine cancer must be differentiated from such diseases:

• endometrial hyperplasia;

Treatment

If a woman is diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the reproductive system, the patient should be observed by an oncogynecologist.

Treatment of uterine cancer is based on various combinations of three methods:

1. Operation.
2. Irradiation.
3. Therapy with medicinal substances.

The main method of treatment performed at any stage of the disease is the removal of the uterus with appendages. If there is a poorly differentiated tumor or it penetrates deeply into the muscle layer of the organ, the pelvic lymph nodes, which may contain metastases, are additionally removed.

The operation is performed in 90% of women with an early stage of the disease. In the rest, it is contraindicated due to severe concomitant diseases. The development of new methods of surgical intervention allows expanding the possibilities of surgical treatment.

If the tumor does not penetrate deeper than 3 mm, it can be removed by ablation ("cauterization") during hysteroscopy. In this way, the organ can be saved. However, the probability of incomplete removal of the focus is quite high, therefore, after such treatment, regular monitoring by an oncologist in a specialized institution is necessary.

Radiation therapy for uterine cancer as an independent method of treatment is rarely used, only when it is impossible to remove the organ. Radiation is most often given after surgery (adjuvant radiotherapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells.

This combination is shown in the following cases:

• deep germination of the neoplasm in the myometrium;
• spread to the cervical canal and neck;
• metastases to lymph nodes;
• poorly differentiated or non-endometrioid tumor.

Modern methods of treatment: radiotherapy - IMRT and brachytherapy. The IMRT method includes targeted irradiation of the tumor with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Brachytherapy is the introduction of special radioactive substances into the tumor focus, acting directly on cancer cells.

For precancer of the endometrium in young women, hormonal therapy with progestins is possible. These hormones block the activating effect of estrogen on the tumor, preventing its further growth. Hormones are used for advanced (disseminated) cancer, as well as for its recurrence. Their efficiency does not exceed 25%.

At an early stage, taking hormones according to a certain scheme lasts about a year. The effectiveness of therapy is monitored by biopsy. With a favorable result, the normal menstrual cycle is restored over the next 6 months. Subsequently, a normal pregnancy is possible.

Chemotherapy is prescribed for poorly differentiated uterine cancer and non-endometrioid tumors, disseminated and recurrent cancer, if the neoplasm does not respond to the influence of progestogens. It is palliative in nature, that is, it is aimed at reducing severe symptoms caused by the tumor, but does not cure the disease. Drugs from the groups of anthracyclines, taxanes, platinum derivatives are used. Postoperative (adjuvant) chemotherapy is not prescribed.

At home, a woman needs more rest. Surrounding must protect her from emotional stress. Nutrition for uterine cancer is complete, varied, with the exception of refined carbohydrates (sugar), the restriction of animal fats, fried and canned foods, spices, chocolate and other irritating foods. Dairy products and plant foods are very useful.

It is believed that some plants help to cope with the tumor or improve the well-being of the patient:

• green tea;
• turmeric;
• beet;
• tomatoes;

Treatment tactics depending on the stage

The question of how to cure uterine cancer is decided by the doctor after a thorough analysis of all the diagnostic information received. It largely depends on the stage of the tumor.

For cancer of the 1st degree (stage), a complete removal of the uterus and appendages (total hysterectomy and) is used.

Such an operation is carried out when all of the following conditions are met:

• moderate and high tumor differentiation;
• education occupies less than half of the organ cavity;
• the depth of germination of the myometrium is less than 50%;
• there are no signs of tumor spread along the peritoneum (cancer cells were not found in peritoneal washings).

If the depth of penetration into the muscle layer is more than half of its thickness, intravaginal radiation therapy is prescribed after the operation.

In all other cases, the removal of the genital organs is supplemented by the excision of the pelvic, and in some cases, para-aortic lymph nodes. The nodes located near the aorta are punctured during the operation and an urgent histological examination is performed. Based on its results, a decision is made to remove these formations.

Radiation is used after the operation. If surgery is not possible, only radiation therapy is used, but the effectiveness of such treatment is lower.

Hormone therapy at stage 1 is not used.

With cancer of the 2nd degree, patients are shown removal of the uterus, appendages, pelvic (sometimes para-aortic) lymph nodes and postoperative radiation therapy. Irradiation is carried out according to a combined scheme: intravaginally and remotely.

For grade 3 cancer, combined surgery and radiation treatment is performed. If the tumor has grown into the walls of the pelvis, its complete removal is impossible. In this case, radiation therapy is prescribed through the vagina and remotely.

If radiotherapy and surgery are contraindicated, treatment depends on the hormonal sensitivity of the tumor: either progestins or chemotherapy are prescribed.

For grade 4 tumors, palliative chemotherapy is used in combination with hormones. These substances help destroy distant cancer metastases in other organs.

Recurrent neoplasms are also treated with hormones and chemotherapy. With a repeated focus located in the small pelvis, palliative radiotherapy is performed. Relapses most often occur within the first 3 years after treatment. They are localized mainly in the vagina, lymph nodes and distant organs.

Uterine cancer and pregnancy

During pregnancy, pathological changes are almost impossible to recognize. Tumor growth during gestation is most often not observed. However, uterine cancer during pregnancy can be accompanied by miscarriage, placental abruption, fetal death, and severe bleeding. In these cases, an emergency delivery is performed, followed by hysterectomy.

In the event that a young woman has completed a full course of treatment with a good effect, she may become pregnant in the future. To restore fertility, doctors prescribe hormone therapy courses that restore normal reproductive function.

How long do people live with uterine cancer?

It depends on the stage of detection of the disease and sensitivity to hormones. With a hormone-dependent variant, 85-90% of patients live for 5 years or more. With an autonomous form in older women, this figure is 60-70%. However, at the 3rd stage of any form, life expectancy of more than 5 years is recorded in a third of patients, and at the 4th stage - only in 5% of cases.

At the initial stage, the signs of a painful condition do not remind of themselves. In later stages, the following symptoms of female genital cancer are noted:

• discharge with blood in the intermenstrual period and in women with menopause;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain and discomfort during intercourse.

Signs of a disease state are observed different, depending on the type of disease and stages of development.

Features of malignant formation of the external genital organs

Malignant neoplasms affect mainly elderly women and are nodules of a dense structure, papillary growths, infiltrates, sometimes ulcerative formations with hard edges may appear.

The precancerous stage of the disease are diseases such as vulvar kraurosis and leukoplakia. A cancerous tumor of a dense structure can grow along the surface of the vulva, as well as deep into tissue junctions, and regional lymph nodes are also affected.

Symptoms, course and methods of treatment of cancer of the vulva

The initial symptom of this disease is itching, burning sensation in the vagina and on the surface of the vulva. Further, pain is observed, and when the tumor begins to disintegrate, bloody discharge with purulent particles is released from the vagina, and a fetid odor is noted.

At the first and second stages of the disease, a combined course of treatment is prescribed, in most cases it is surgery and radiation therapy. In the third and fourth stages of cancer, only radiation therapy is used.

Features of vaginal cancer

As an independent disease, vaginal cancer is extremely rare. This pathology is more exposed to women during menopause and menopause. The disease develops against the background of the appearance of infiltrates of a dense structure or ulcerative neoplasms on the vaginal walls with a rapid process of ulceration.

Symptoms, course and methods of treatment of vaginal cancer

Symptoms of vaginal cancer:

• leucorrhoea of ​​purulent-bloody consistency;
• pain in the second stage of the disease;
• sensations of squeezing the vaginal space;
• violation of the process of urination;
• general signs of intoxication of the body.

In most cases, the treatment of this pathology is radiation therapy, since metastases are marked by characteristic mobility and pass to the lymph nodes. Also, tumors in the vagina are removed by excision during surgery.

Features of cervical cancer

A malignant tumor of the cervix is ​​the most common type of oncology among all malignant forms of pathology of the female organs.

There are different stages of cervical cancer:

• initial stage;
• the first stage, which is characterized by damage only to the cervix;
• the second stage, which is characterized by the spread of the neoplasm throughout the space of the vagina, uterus, fiber of a parametric shape;
• the third stage, which is characterized by the spread of tumor cells to a larger space than in the second stage;
• the fourth stage, which is characterized by the germination of a tumor neoplasm in the region of the bladder and rectum, metastasis spreads to all organs: bones, lungs, etc.

Symptoms, course and treatment of cervical cancer

The initial stage of this disease is not manifested by any symptoms. At the first stage, leucorrhoea of ​​a serous or bloody-serous consistency may be released, which intensify during the study of the vaginal space, and also after sexual intercourse, defecation, contact bleeding may be observed. At the second and third stages of the disease, bloody whites are released with characteristic purulent components that are distinguished by a fetid odor. The following symptoms are also observed:

• pain syndrome in the lumbar region and in the abdominal cavity;
• the general physical condition is disturbed;
• intoxication;
• violation of the bladder;
• rapid weight loss.

Treatment methods depend on the stage of the disease. At the initial or first stage of cervical cancer, both surgical intervention and combined treatment are performed - radiation therapy and surgical excision of the tumor. At the second and third stages, radiation therapy of the combined form is carried out. At the fourth stage, symptomatic treatment is carried out.

Prevention of cervical cancer consists in the timely detection of pathology in the cervical region, which can later provoke the development of cancer: various forms of cervical erosion, cicatricial changes, endocervicitis.

Features of uterine body cancer

Cancer of the body of the uterus develops with the formation of lesions of the diffuse form of the inner uterine membrane (endometrium) or the growth of the polypous form. In the process of germination in the tissue connections of the uterus, tumor cells can spread to the abdominal cavity and appendages. Metastasis is observed at later stages.

Symptoms, course and methods of treatment of uterine cancer

The disease progresses gradually. For this pathology, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• discharge of leucorrhoea of ​​serous-bloody or bloody-purulent consistency with an unpleasant odor;
• acyclic bleeding in elderly women;
• bleeding during menopause.

The above symptoms require curettage from the uterine cavity with further histology of the material taken.

Treatment methods for uterine body cancer:

• combined treatment (radiotherapy, surgery);
• complex treatment (radiation therapy, surgery, hormonal therapy).

Features of ovarian cancer

At the initial stage of the disease, there are no symptoms. The following are signs of ovarian cancer:

• an increase in the size of the abdomen;
• palpation of the tumor neoplasm;
• the appearance of ascites, during which fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity.

In more advanced cases, pain, signs of intoxication appear, the work of the bladder and intestines is disturbed, and sharp weight loss and exhaustion.

Primary ovarian cancer is prescribed combined treatment. First, radiation therapy, therapy with chemical and hormonal drugs is used.

Cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases of modern medicine, although it is not always a death sentence. It can and must be defeated. The possibilities of medicine, with the help of modern technologies, make it possible to determine the presence of oncology even at the earliest stage. Because of this, there is always a chance for recovery.

In this article, we will look at exactly what symptoms manifest early-stage cancer in women, when it is worth sounding the alarm, and when you should not set yourself up for the worst.

Common early symptoms of cancer in women

Symptoms and signs of the development of cancer pathology are caused by an abundance of many points. For example, the location of the tumor, the age of the woman, the presence of concomitant diseases, etc.

Common symptoms of tumor development in the female body include:

1. An increase in body temperature that cannot be brought down by any strong medicine.
2. Slight enlargement of lymph nodes anywhere on the body.

In connection with the ingestion of substances secreted by cancer cells into the blood, outwardly this can be manifested by the appearance of blood clots in the legs (for example, with a tumor of the pancreas). Therefore, if you feel any bumps or seals on your body, you should immediately make an appointment with a specialist!

Symptoms of early stage cancer in women depending on the type

breast cancer

The disease is in first place among oncological diagnoses in women. It is not easy to detect the symptoms of breast cancer at an early stage, but it is possible:

1. The appearance of a node is in most cases the first and main symptom. It is a small lump under the skin on the chest, which is well palpable.
2. Change in the shape of the breast, or its asymmetric increase.
3. A white or clear discharge appears from the nipple, it looks “drawn in”.
4. Heterogeneous areas with wrinkled and bumpy skin are formed.
5. Pain when pressing on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdensification.

Uncharacteristic symptoms of cancer include back pain in the interscapular region, redness and itching of the skin of the chest.

Cervical cancer

brain cancer in women

The disease is growing by a third every year. It is the most insidious and dangerous disease. There are many symptoms by which you can determine the disease in the early stages:

1. specific headaches. The pains are constant and intense. They are the main symptom. In some cases, the pain is pronounced only on one side. They often appear at night or in the morning immediately after sleep. Increased with sneezing, coughing, physical exertion.
2. Feeling of pressure in the head.
3. Nausea and vomiting. As a rule, they are not associated with meals.
4. Decreased vision and / or hearing (double vision).
5. Numbness of limbs.
6. Increased drowsiness, weakness of the body and fatigue.
7. Speech impairment as a consequence of neurological changes.
8. Convulsions and seizures. They are not associated with either physical activity or vitamin deficiency.

Not always all the symptoms accompany each other and may appear one at a time.

Unfortunately, in many cases early stage cancer symptoms in women appear minimally. Based on this, it is necessary to make it a rule to visit doctors every year, take tests and conduct self-examinations in general for neoplasms. This is especially true for women who are at risk: after menopause; those who had oncological cases in the family, etc.

In most people, a cancerous tumor does not show symptoms that would solely indicate the disease. There are a lot of specific symptoms of oncological diseases - even more non-specific ones (such as malaise). Young women, for example, are more likely to ignore symptoms that may indicate cancer. Women often do not pay due attention to the symptoms of cancer, which indicate the onset of the disease. Meanwhile, untimely access to a doctor is a serious barrier to effective treatment of cancer.

As a rule, when we get sick, we rush to find “bad” symptoms in our body, think about the worst. How common are cancers and at what age? Symptoms of oncological diseases are extremely important in the process of detecting pathology. Common symptoms of oncological diseases include sudden weight loss, high fever, weakness and fatigue, soreness and changes in the quality of the skin. Of course, it should be borne in mind that the presence of any of the listed symptoms does not mean 100% that a person is suffering from cancer. However, the detection of any of these manifestations should give impetus to the passage of a thorough medical examination. Women over twenty-five years old are recommended to regularly examine the cervix for cancer, and over fifty years old - mammary glands. Breast cancer ranks first among all malignant diseases in women.

Common symptoms of oncology (cancer) in women and men

Common main symptoms that signal cancer in women and men are:

• a symptom of "unsuccessful treatment" (ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, inflammation of the stomach, pharynx, bladder, pneumonia), when the patient tries to cure the disease for a long time, but there is no improvement;
• syndrome of "small signs" (increased fatigue, reduced efficiency, decrease or loss of interest in the outside world, discomfort, strong and in a short period of changes in body weight), incomprehensible discharge (blood, mucus, and others), persistent dysfunction of any organ, paraneoplastic syndromes.
• “plus tissue” symptom, that is, the growth of a volumetric formation. The “plus tissue” symptom is detected during examination and palpation. It is possible to detect asymmetry and deformation of a part of the body, palpate the tumor and assess its size, consistency, mobility, relationship with surrounding tissues, pain. Particular attention should be paid to the lymph nodes. Be sure to inspect and feel them. With lesions, they are enlarged, rounded, sometimes bumpy, dense, soldered to the surrounding tissues, limited mobility.

Symptom of oncological disease - sudden weight loss

Most people suffering from some type of cancer, in the early stages of the development of the disease, begin to lose weight dramatically. The first symptom of cancer can be weight loss of more than five kilograms in a short time.

Symptom of oncological disease - high body temperature and febrile state

A high body temperature can be observed in oncological diseases of a fairly high prevalence. A feverish condition overtakes cancer patients with anti-cancer therapy, which affects the body's immune forces, increasing susceptibility to the disease.

Symptoms of cancer - weakness and fatigue

Weakness and fatigue can be considered one of the most important symptoms of cancer. Fatigue can occur in the first stages of cancer development, when the progression of the disease is accompanied by blood loss, for example, in colon cancer.

Cancer symptom - soreness

Soreness can serve as an early manifestation of malignant neoplasms, for example, bone tissue.

A symptom of cancer - a change in the color and quality of the skin

Tumors of the skin and certain types of oncology of the internal organs can cause the development of dermatological signs of cancer, for example, darkening of the skin, yellowness of the skin, redness and scabies.

In addition to the general ones, there are also specific symptoms of oncological diseases that are characteristic of any particular type of cancer. Again, this does not mean at all that if you find any specific symptom from those listed, you should immediately think about an oncological disease. All symptoms that occur should be reported to the doctor.

Disorders of the stool and disruption of the bladder

Stool disorders can manifest themselves in persistent constipation or, conversely, in diarrhea. In addition, the amount of feces, their qualitative characteristics may change. When defecating, feces can go with blood impurities. When emptying the bladder, pain may be noted, urination may become frequent or less frequent. All these changes should be known to the doctor to build the correct clinical picture.

Bleeding or unusual discharge

Causeless bleeding can open both in the early stages of cancer development and in its advanced cases. Blood impurities in the sputum when coughing may indicate oncology of the lung tissue. Blood in the stool may indicate oncology of the colon or rectum. Cancer of the uterus or cervix can lead to vaginal bleeding. Oncology of the bladder can be expressed in blood impurities in the urine.

Digestive disorders and swallowing difficulties

These symptoms can be observed in various pathologies of a non-oncological nature, however, their combination may indicate oncology of the esophagus, pharynx, or gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of oncological diseases (cancer) in women

signs oncology at women. With early treatment of a woman to a doctor, a cure for cancer is quite possible - modern medicine has proven this more than once. However, our women are afraid or embarrassed to go to the doctor with seemingly trifling complaints and make a serious mistake, wasting precious time. We will talk about the main symptoms of cancer in the weak half of humanity. All women are aware of the existence of various oncological diseases. Unfortunately, in our time, such diseases occupy one of the main places in the structure of mortality.

1. Bleeding

One of the most alarming symptoms for women should be bleeding after menopause- that is, a year after the cessation of menstruation. Periods cannot return if they have already stopped. Do not think that this is normal - consult a doctor to clarify the circumstances.

Another serious symptom should be spotting after intercourse, intermenstrual bleeding or too heavy menstruation for 10-12 days, the appearance of pain during menstruation - this may be a sign of hormonal changes or cancer of the cervix or appendages.

The initial stages of cervical cancer are not difficult to diagnose, a smear is taken from the cervical canal for the study of special cells (cytology) and cancer markers.

To determine ovarian cancer, the volume of studies is more, ultrasound and blood tests for special markers specific to ovarian cancer are necessary.

2. Allocations

One of the signs of some types of endometrial cancer (the inner wall of the uterus), along with bleeding, is the appearance of unusual watery discharge with or without ichor from the genital tract. This symptom should be given special attention - sometimes, starting as a sign of infection, chronic inflammation passes into the oncogenic stage.

This type of cancer, with timely diagnosis, is treated surgically and can be completely cured of the disease.

3. Breast changes

Breast cancer is currently the number one oncological diseases at women which is the cause of their death. Every woman from 25-30 years old needs to know about self-examination of the breast. This is a completely painless procedure, which is recommended once a month at home in front of a mirror. With regular carrying out of this procedure on the same day of the cycle, you will thoroughly examine the tissue of the gland, which will allow you to notice a change in the breast or nipple in time. Most breast diseases in women can only be diagnosed in the laboratory (blood test for tumor markers).

Signs for concern should be any external differences compared to previous examinations:

• the appearance of a network of blood vessels on the skin, age spots or areas of "orange peel",
• change in the shape of the breast or nipple,
• the appearance of seals in the chest, which are not painful.
• discoloration of the areola of the nipple (if you are not pregnant and not lactating) and its peeling,
• discharge from the nipple, in the absence of lactation, especially if they are bloody or whitish.
• the appearance of dimples on the skin,
• an increase in the temperature of the chest or its separate area.

Also, “dimples” may appear on the skin of the chest, which are symptoms of cancer. These symptoms are a reason to see a doctor immediately.

4. Discomfort

One of the first symptoms of genital cancer in women is itching and discomfort in the area of ​​the labia, irritation or skin change not associated with infections or allergies. These changes are usually long and progressive - therefore, at the slightest discomfort, go to the doctor for an examination.

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