Oncological diseases include tumor processes of various localization and histological structure. In a broad sense, they combine benign and malignant neoplasms, but practical oncology specializes mainly in the treatment of malignant tumors. Currently, oncological diseases have significantly “rejuvenated” and are truly epidemic in nature, therefore, the search for ways to prevent them, early detection and treatment is an urgent interdisciplinary problem. To solve it within individual medical specialties, narrow areas are distinguished – oncogynecology, oncourology, oncodermatology, oncophthalmology, neuro-oncology, etc.
There are many forms of tumors that differ in localization, cellular structure, degree of aggressiveness, features of the course and prognosis, and a number of other factors. In oncology, tumors are usually divided into benign, conditionally benign (borderline) and malignant. Benign neoplasms are characterized by relatively slow growth, lack of tendency to metastasis, and a good prognosis. These types of tumors include fibroids, lipomas, nevi, papillomas, leiomyomas, neurinomas, chondromas, angiomas and many others.
Conditionally benign tumors also do not metastasize, but they have the ability to cancer degeneration and multiple recurrence after removal. Examples of such oncological diseases can be adenomatous stomach polyps, atypical moles, cutaneous horn, senile keratosis, Bowen’s disease, etc. Malignant tumors are characterized by invasive growth, germination of surrounding tissues, metastasis, recurrence. These types of tumors include cancer (carcinoma), sarcoma, lymphoma.
Every year, about 10 million people are diagnosed with oncopathology in the world, and 8 million patients die from some form of cancer. In USA, every fifth compatriot is at risk of encountering cancer during his lifetime. According to WHO, the “rating” of the most common oncological diseases is as follows. Thus, the most common “female” type of cancer is breast cancer; it is closely followed by cervical cancer. The absolute leader among male oncopathology is prostate cancer.
The most frequently diagnosed and deadly types of oncological diseases, regardless of gender, are recognized: lung cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer and liver cancer. Somewhat less often, the causes of death are cancer of the bladder and kidneys, pancreas, leukemia, melanoma. Among the oncological diseases of childhood, leukemia, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, retinoblastoma predominate.
To date, many causes leading to the development of malignant tumors are known. Among them are unfavorable heredity, environmental problems, industrial and household hazards, stress, irrational nutrition, unhealthy habits, inactive lifestyle, viral diseases, etc. At the same time, studies show that about 80% of risk factors are potentially avoidable, i.e. most cases of cancer can be prevented. This requires the efforts of not only oncologists, but, above all, the individual himself.
For the purpose of early detection of oncological diseases, regular preventive medical examinations are offered, periodic medical examinations of a certain contingent of persons are carried out, comprehensive cancer screening programs for men and women (“onco check-up”) are being developed and implemented. All persons over 40 years of age should undergo preventive oncological examination once every 2 years, and people with a burdened background – annually. The most frequent studies included in oncoscreening are the determination of blood cancer markers (REA, AFP), ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and kidneys, thyroid gland, fluorography, FGDS, colonoscopy. For women, consultation of a gynecologist, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, colposcopy, cytological smear, determination of CA 15-3 and CA-125, mammography are mandatory; for men, consultation of a urologist, determination of PSA and ultrasound of the prostate.
The study of oncological diseases in developed countries today is one of the priority areas of medicine, and significant progress has been made in this direction. Along with traditional methods of treating oncological diseases (surgical removal of tumors and metastases, radiation therapy, chemotherapeutic treatment, hormone therapy), effective methods of physical impact on tumor tissue (cryoablation, laser therapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, hyperthermia, etc.) are used. A promising direction in oncology is cancer immunotherapy with the use of monoclonal antibodies, antitumor vaccines, activated T-lymphocytes, etc. Experimental types of cancer treatment that need further study and clinical testing today include gene therapy, neutron capture therapy, nanotherapy, etc.
Every patient should remember that cancer is not a verdict, and in the early stages most tumors can be completely cured. An important role in the victory over cancer is played by the volitional efforts of the patient himself, the moral attitude to a favorable outcome. The website “Medic Journal” contains the most complete description of oncological diseases, provides information on methods of their diagnosis and treatment.
Lymphogranulomatosis is a malignant hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue, a characteristic feature of which is the formation of granulomas with Berezovsky-Sternberg cells. For lymphogranulomatosis, an increase in various groups of lymph nodes (more often mandibular, supraclavicular, mediastinal), an increase in the spleen, subfebrility, general weakness, weight loss is specific. In order to verify the diagnosis, lymph…
Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of endothelial origin that develops against the background of pronounced, long–existing lymphedema of the limb. The most studied and frequently occurring type of lymphangiosarcoma is Stewart-Treves syndrome. Its early signs are purple spots on the skin, dense subcutaneous nodules and the formation of ulcers, late – visceral metastases. This…
Lentigo maligna melanoma is a type of melanoma characterized by a long course. It is a spot of irregular shape. It occurs more often in open areas of the body, less often affects the skin of the back and lower extremities. Lentigo melanoma has a long phase of radial growth, sometimes lasting one to two…
Sacrococcygeal teratoma is a tumor of mixed structure originating from germ cells and located in the sacrococcygeal zone. It can be benign or malignant. It is detected at birth. It is a painless node with a heterogeneous structure. It can cause displacement of the rectum, impaired development of the urinary system and pelvic bones, difficulty…
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor of the large intestine. At the initial stage, it is asymptomatic. Subsequently, it is manifested by weakness, malaise, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence and intestinal disorders. Intestinal obstruction phenomena are possible. Ulceration of the neoplasm is accompanied by bleeding, but the admixture of blood in the feces…
Carcinoid syndrome is a complex of symptoms resulting from hormonal activity of tumors from the cells of the APUD system. It includes hot flashes, persistent diarrhea, fibrous lesion of the right half of the heart, abdominal pain and bronchospasm. During surgical interventions, the development of a life-threatening carcinoid crisis is possible. Pathology is diagnosed on…
Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are potentially malignant neoplasms from the group of neuroendocrine tumors affecting various parts of the digestive tract – from the stomach to the rectum. They are manifested by pain, a feeling of full stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. Some patients develop carcinoid syndrome, intestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal bleeding are possible. The…
Bronchial carcinoid tumor is a rare neoplasm from the group of neuroendocrine tumors, affecting mainly large bronchi. It is characterized by relatively slow growth with the ability to metastasize. It is considered as a potentially malignant neoplasia. It is manifested by coughing, shortness of breath, hemoptysis and recurrent pneumonia. Carcinoid syndrome rarely develops. The diagnosis…
Carcinoid tumors a rare, potentially malignant neoplasm from the group of neuroendocrine tumors. It is located in the organs of the digestive and respiratory system. Releases large amounts of biologically active substances. Tumor can be asymptomatic for a long time. Subsequently, hot flashes occur, accompanied by redness of the upper half of the body, tachycardia…
Carotid body tumor is a tumor from the tissue of the carotid glomus located in the bifurcation area of the carotid artery. It is more often benign, infiltrative growth and metastasis are less often observed. Scant clinical symptoms are characteristic, the only manifestation may be the presence of a tumor-like formation in the neck. There…
