The oncological process, or cancer, can be of any localization. The malignant process first affects adjacent and then distant structures. There are many different diagnostic methods that allow you to identify cancer in different organs and parts of the body.
The effectiveness of procedures is determined specifically by the location of the formation, but there are methods that have demonstrated results with the most common forms of cancer. They are often included in the medical examination of people of a particular age.
Non-specific examinations
This group includes blood tests (general and biochemical), urine, feces, fluorography, examination by a therapist, for women – examination by a gynecologist and palpation of the breast glands. They make it possible to identify the problem. Then specific techniques are used, with the help of which an accurate diagnosis is made.
Diagnosis by oncomarkers
Different types of tumors secrete substances characteristic of them. They are determined in the blood at certain concentrations. Special tests are used to detect oncology of the female reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, prostate gland. Although a positive result does not always indicate a malignant formation, on the basis of it a more detailed examination is prescribed.
Instrumental methods of cancer diagnosis
These methods do not give a definite diagnosis, but show the presence of neoplasms. So, ultrasound in oncology is used at the beginning of the diagnosis, and when changes in the structure of the tissue are detected, a biopsy is usually done.
Cancer on fluorography looks like tuberculosis or pneumonia – a tissue sample is examined to determine the causes.
Fluoroscopy and radiography, including with contrast agents, detect changes in breast tissue, lungs, bones, digestive tract. Also, X-ray of cancer when already diagnosed allows you to determine the size of the neoplasm, the extent of the upcoming surgical intervention, which is important for building effective treatment tactics.
MRI, CT in cancer can determine the boundaries and size of the tumor, and images of layer-by-layer slices actually create a 3D-image. These techniques are also used in case of already established diagnosis to detect metastases in other organs.
Endoscopic methods of cancer diagnosis
Laparoscopy, gastroscopy, hysteroscopy, bronchoscopy, colonoscopy. With the help of an endoscope, it is possible to look inside the hollow organs and notice changes in the tissues, as well as to perform a biopsy, that is, to take a sample for further study or remove the suspicious area completely. In gastric cancer, for example, endoscopy is used for both screening and treatment.
Histologic and cytologic examinations
Tissue samples taken during biopsy are processed with special preparations and studied under a microscope. These methods of cancer diagnosis make it possible to make an unambiguous diagnosis, identify the origin of the tumor, the degree of malignancy, and other characteristics.
Additional laboratory tests for cancer diagnosis
Laboratory tests play a key role in the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases:
1. General urinalysis. An assessment of the overall health of the urinary system.
What to look for: presence of atypical cells, protein, blood, glucose, bacteria and other abnormalities that may indicate urinary tract cancer or other abnormalities.
2. General blood analysis. Determination of the general state of health, detection of various diseases.
What is looked for: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, red blood cells and hemoglobin, immature cells.
3. Blood tests for oncomarkers. Detection of specific proteins (oncomarkers) that can be secreted by tumor cells.
4. Biochemical blood analysis. Assessment of metabolic processes, detection of organ dysfunctions.
What they look for: calcium, intracellular enzymes, hormones.
Detecting cancer of various organs
- Lung cancer
Progresses rapidly, prone to early metastases. In prevention, special attention should be paid to patients from the risk group – “heavy” smokers, those who have professions related to the inhalation of harmful substances, those who have cases of oncology among close relatives.
- Breast cancer
It can affect women of any age, but it is much more common in patients after the age of 40 and older. If it is detected at stages I-II, organ-preserving treatment is possible.
For early diagnosis of breast cancer, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist or oncologist-mammologist annually. Younger women should undergo regular breast ultrasound examinations.
In large oncology centers it is possible to detect oncogenic mutations using molecular genetics methods.
- Bowel cancer
If a person is bothered by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, intestinal cramps, abdominal bloating, constipation or diarrhea, gas and fecal incontinence, blood and pus in the feces – there is a possibility of a malignant process in the intestine. Rectoromanoscopy is used to examine the rectum. This method allows you to see an area of up to 25 cm, which significantly reduces the possibilities of the method.
- Pancreatic cancer
As a rule, it is detected at a late stage. Its early symptoms are rather blurred – moderate abdominal pain, weight loss, pallor of the skin. Usually it is written off as manifestations of pancreatitis or nutritional disorders. For initial diagnosis, ultrasound, CT, MRI of the pancreas are used.
- Gastric cancer
Complaints of epigastric pain, bloody stools and vomiting, nausea, heartburn, belching, and weight loss can indicate both peptic ulcer disease and oncology.
- Cervical cancer
The vast majority of malignant diseases of the female genital sphere are asymptomatic or with minor symptoms until late stages. As part of a gynecological examination, the doctor takes a cytology smear from the patient – this is a screening of cervical cancer and precancerous conditions.
Conclusion
Modern methods of oncology diagnosis play a key role in early detection of tumor diseases and increasing the chances of successful treatment. Each type of cancer has its own set of effective diagnostic procedures, from general tests to high-precision instrumental and endoscopic examinations. Regular medical examinations, screening and laboratory tests help not only to detect the disease at early stages, but also to predict the risk of cancer development in people at risk.
It is important to remember that seeing a doctor in a timely manner and having regular checkups can significantly increase the likelihood of successful treatment and improve patients’ quality of life. Early detection of oncology is the first step to effective treatment and long-term remission.
