Recently, oncological diseases have become very common. The causes of pathologies are various. This is mainly a genetic predisposition, poor quality food, poor ecology. If cancer is suspected, experts recommend visiting a hospital and undergoing a diagnosis.
A few key recommendations
How to get tested for cancer? Which doctor should I go to? These and many other questions are asked by people who suspect cancer on their own. First of all, you should sign up for a consultation with a specialist. A doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer is called an oncologist. How can I get tested for cancer during the examination? The doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe laboratory tests. If necessary, the doctor will recommend an ultrasound scan, computed tomography, mammography, and other diagnostic procedures, depending on the location of the tumor. The results of laboratory studies are of great importance, since it is possible to check for the presence of cancer in the early stages by passing a routine analysis for tumor markers. After all these measures, the specialist decides on the need for a biopsy. During the procedure, a small area of tissue is taken for histological examination. This method, according to many experts, is the most accurate diagnostic method. A biopsy reveals which cells the tumor consists of. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, so it does not cause any particular inconvenience. After all these manipulations, it will become clear whether a cancerous tumor is present or not.
How often should be examined?
Experts note that at very early stages, when the size of the neoplasm is small and it does not poison the body with its decay products, a false diagnosis can be made. If the problem continues to bother, you can go through the examination again. Since cancer can be checked during a routine routine examination, it is advisable to visit doctors once a year at the age of up to forty years, and then twice a year (if there are no complaints). Preventive examinations will reveal pathologies at the stages that can be treated.
Why is diagnosis necessary?
A timely examination for oncology can not only save a human life, but also prevent a decrease in its quality. That is why experts recommend undergoing examinations and taking tests regularly. In addition, it should be borne in mind that diagnosis significantly increases the effectiveness of therapeutic measures in the event of such a need. Thanks to the latest advances in medicine, pathology is identified as quickly and accurately as possible. From patients only attention to the state of their health is required.
Where can I get tested for cancer?
In addition to ordinary clinics and hospitals, there are specialized cancer centers. Almost every major city in Russia has such institutions. In Moscow, for example, an oncology examination is carried out at the European Clinic (Scientific and Practical Center for Advanced Oncology and Surgery, Tulskaya metro station), City Oncology Hospital No. 62 (Tushinskaya metro station), Soyuz Multidisciplinary Clinic (metro Sokolniki, Elektrozavodskaya) and others centers. Where to get tested for cancer in children? In Moscow in 2011, a specialized Scientific Oncology Center of federal significance was opened. This clinic is considered the most technologically equipped and largest in Europe.
Who should be screened?
First of all, it is recommended to visit an oncologist to people who fall into the "risk group". These include women and men over 55, who often drink alcohol and are overweight smokers. The examination should be carried out by those who abuse fast food, staying in the solarium and in the sun, without using sunscreens. Inspection is recommended for people with low physical activity. Equally important is the hereditary (genetic) predisposition. If any of the relatives is diagnosed with cancer, then you should pay attention to your health condition and regularly visit a specialist.
What is a survey?
A precancerous condition is considered a harbinger of the development of malignant neoplasms. It must be identified in a timely manner. Today it is more than possible, since it is possible to be tested for cancer both in a regular clinic and in a specialized center. For a more accurate detection of pathology, the most modern equipment is currently being used, highly qualified specialists are working. The examination usually lasts one to two days. It is carried out on an outpatient basis with careful medical supervision. In accordance with the results of the examination, the patient receives complete information about his state of health. The specialist will also answer all your questions. If necessary, treatment is immediately prescribed, the patient receives instructions and recommendations. How much does it cost to get tested for cancer? The prices for the study depend on the list of tests and diagnostic measures that the doctor will recommend. On average, a general examination costs from 1.5 to 3 thousand dollars.
What tests should be taken for oncology?
Currently, for almost all common types of cancer, effective diagnostic methods have been developed. In particular, the doctor may prescribe a mammogram. This is a study of the mammary gland. To detect a malignant neoplasm in the uterus, a cytological smear analysis is recommended. To diagnose colon pathology, feces are examined with a hidden blood test. General diagnosis of oncology may include several measures. In particular, it is recommended to donate blood (detailed analysis), undergo an MRI, computed tomography (positron emission), colonoscopy and gastroscopy, biopsy. The specialist may also prescribe bone marrow aspiration and laparoscopic examination. Of particular importance in the diagnosis of oncology is ultrasound. This procedure often gives an idea of the dynamics of the development of pathology. Typically, a biopsy is performed under the supervision of CT or ultrasound. Additionally, in many cases, cytogenetic, enzyme immunoassay and thoracoscopy (biopsy and visual examination of the chest organs) are prescribed.
What does a blood test give?
In oncology, the results of laboratory tests can be mixed. However, a blood test is necessary. Extensive analysis allows you to determine the level of tumor markers for each organ, to establish the presence or absence of cancer cells in the body. Thanks to all the above measures, the specialist determines the degree and nature of damage to systems and organs, as well as the presence of foci and metastases. As a result, the necessary treatment regimen is selected for each patient individually.
Diagnosis of oncology of the chest and gastrointestinal tract
One of the common oncological diseases today is lung cancer. If a tumor is suspected, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. How to get tested for lung cancer? What diagnostic measures can a specialist prescribe? The examination includes an instrumental examination of the chest - radiography. Pictures allow you to see the presence of a node or neoplasm. Pathological changes of a small size that are invisible on a radiograph are recognized during computed tomography. If the patient has a cough, accompanied by sputum, then it is examined under a microscope. A necessary study is a biopsy of the lung tissue. It can be carried out in various ways. In particular, a doctor can perform a sampling of a fragment of lung tissue during bronchoscopy - checking the condition of the lungs using a special thin tube (bronchoscope) with a light source. A bronchoscope is inserted directly into the organ cavity through the larynx. A biopsy can be performed by an open method. Thoracoscopy is performed through a small incision made at the base of the neck. The doctor inserts the instruments into the mediastinum and collects lymph node tissue for analysis. How to get tested for bowel cancer? If a malignant neoplasm is suspected in this area of the gastrointestinal tract, a colonoscopy is prescribed. Using a special probe, the doctor examines the inner surface of the intestine and evaluates its condition.
Conclusion
Opinions of experts regarding the preventive diagnosis of cancer pathologies are very mixed. Screening studies significantly reduce mortality among the general population. This is mainly due to the ability to diagnose the early stages of pathology using modern equipment. At the same time, there is a high probability of prescribing adequate treatment, ridding the patient of a neoplasm. However, there is evidence that in the process of preventive research a lot of benign neoplasms are detected. As a result, invasive diagnostic methods are used in which patients are at unnecessary risk. Today there is no unequivocal and accurate answer to the question of the need for preventive examinations. Currently, attempts are being made to substantiate scientifically the advantages of each existing method and to establish for which particular groups it is necessary to conduct screening activities in the first place.