Signs and Symptoms of Cancer & Treatment of Cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

• Signs are objective, observable indicators of a disease (e.g., fever, rash), seen or measured by a doctor.
• Symptoms are subjective experiences felt by the patient (e.g., pain, fatigue). Together, they help in diagnosing and managing medical conditions effectively.
• Common signs and symptoms of cancer include:
  1. Unexplained Weight Loss
  2. Persistent Fatigue
  3. Pain (Unrelated to Injury)
  4. Skin Changes: Such as yellowing, darkening, or redness.
  5. Changes in Moles or Warts
  6. Unusual Lumps or Swelling
  7. Difficulty Swallowing or Persistent Indigestion
  8. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
  9. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
  10. Unexplained Bleeding or Bruising
• Note: These Signs and Symptoms of Cancer can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation if you experience any of these symptoms.

Treatment of Cancer

• Cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options include:

1. Surgery

   • Definition: Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue.
   • Purpose: To eliminate cancerous cells from the body.

2. Radiation Therapy

   • Definition: Use of high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
   • Purpose: To destroy cancer cells in a specific area.

3. Chemotherapy

   • Definition: Administration of drugs that target rapidly dividing cancer cells, either systemically or locally.
   • Purpose: To kill cancer cells throughout the body.

4. Targeted Therapy

   • Definition: Drugs or substances that specifically target cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.
   • Purpose: To interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.

5. Immunotherapy

   • Definition: Treatment that enhances or harnesses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer.
   • Purpose: To help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

6. Hormone Therapy

   • Definition: Treatment that blocks or removes hormones that promote cancer growth, such as in breast or prostate cancer.
   • Purpose: To slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors.

• Note: Treatments may be used alone or in combination. A patient’s treatment plan may change as the cancer progresses or responds to therapy.

Thank you for reading from Firsthope's notes, don't forget to check YouTube videos!