Cancer detection

cancer detection

Any maneuver intended to identify cancer in an asymptomatic person. See Cancer screen, Cancer screening guidelines

Cancer detection

Symptoms

Changes in bowel or bladder habits, nonhealing sores, unusual bleeding or discharges, new lumps in the breast or any other part of the body, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, change in the appearance of a pigmented lesions, persistent cough or hoarseness

Examination

Palpation of breast, lymph nodes, rectal examination for prostate

Tests

Various endoscopies, imaging–CXR in high-risk Pts, pap smear, fecal occult blood

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Patient discussion about Cancer detection.

Q. How can you know if a mole is a skin cancer or not? I'm only 15, but I’ve had this small thing on my right shoulder for a reeeeaaaally long time. It's the same color as my skin. It’s smaller than the head of a pencil eraser, perfectly round, and its smooth. I've never worried about it seriously, until about a week ago, when I read an article in a magazine about skin cancer. Even then I wouldn't have worried about it, because It didn't really match any of the symptoms, except one. It did bleed once about 2 1/2 years ago. And it said bleeding was a big sign I don't know, what do you think? And please try and say something other than," go have it checked out". Because I currently have no insurance. Thanks :]

A. First off; you should know about what dermatologists call the ABCDE's of skin cancer.
A: Asymetrical. If you draw an imaginary line through it, doe both sides appear to be mirror images of each other?
B: Borders. Does the mole have irregular, jagged, or rough borders?
C: Color: Is is dark; especially black or grey or blue and has it changed colors?
D: Diameter. Is it bigger than the tip of a pencil eraser?
E: Evolving. Has any of the preceding A,B,C, or D's changed?

Ask yourself or a loved one to run those tests on it. And as had been previously said; make an appointment with your dermatologist. They would be happy to remove any moles that may be suspisious or unsightly and determine if it is cancerous or not. Milian is right; a mere month can be the difference between life and death. Melanoma is deadly. Be smart and stay safe. Hope this helped.

Q. Please help me to help him to know the best way of detecting breast cancer? One of my friends who is very poor recently met an accident and spent his whole wealth to recover his health. But he doesn’t have any debts till now. To his shock he doubts that his wife suffers from breast cancer. Now he doesn’t have enough money to go for costly tests. He can’t share this grief with his better half. So please help me to help him to know the best way of detecting breast cancer?

A. I feel pity for him by being in his shoes. Really he is lucky to have you as his friend. Actually never DOUBT any disease. Check and confirm it by meeting your family doctor. Its not always lumps, Sometimes there will just be a change in the nipple. MRI is the best way to go; some types of breast cancer do not show up on mammograms. Concerns can be addressed to the doctor who can check and order appropriate testing. You have places to get tests done at minimum cost. There are increasing numbers of mobile breast cancer screening units around the country. You can also seek help from any charities. If you are worried however, I suggest you contact your GP.

Q. How would one detecte a concern of breast cancer?

A. self examination is a big and crucial part of detecting breast cancer. it is said that every women should self examine herself every week after the age of 50. but if you have family history - you should start in a younger age. here is how to do so and what you should notice:
http://womenshealth.gov/faq/breast-self-exam.cfm