Cancer is a malignant neoplasm that can affect individuals of any ethnic background, age, occupation, and social economic status. Some of the common factors that contribute to the high mortality rate are consumption of alcohol, tobacco smoking, occupational exposures to asbestos and radiation among others. Genetic factors are also proven to be a contributing factor to mortality rates. Early detection of cancer can lead to good outcomes (Artherholt, 2012).
Diagnosis of Cancer
There is no proven test that is used to diagnose cancer despite having various types and forms of cancer. There are however several basic diagnostic procedures and tools that are used to assist in recognizing, determining and monitoring the treatment of cancer. The first step of diagnosing cancer is reviewing the personal history of the patient and family health history then a physical exam is obtained. The second step is laboratory testing of various specimens like stool, blood, urine or other bodily fluids that can help in recognizing any deviances in normal values. Laboratory testing is a basic tool used to help in directing more diagnostic tests that show different types of cancer. An abnormal laboratory is therefore not a certain sign of cancer (Carelle, 2002). Tumor markers are substances that are produced to show high levels of cancerous conditions. This is however not always the case as these tumor markers can also be produced by normal and non-cancerous cells of the body at beginning cancerous conditions. Tumor marker measurements are therefore used along with other tests the likes of biopsies in the treatment of cancer throughout the entire duration. Nowadays there are various technological ways of determining the presence of a tumor in the body. They include ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-rays, positron emission tomography (PET) scans and computerized tomography (CT) scans. A biopsy is the most common and effective test used in diagnosing cancer together with the above technological techniques. A biopsy is a procedure which involves removal of a sample of organ tissue in question and then analyzed by a pathologist using a microscope to check the presence of cancerous cells. Biopsy samples are collected using endoscopic tools, aspiration needle to withdraw fluid or through surgery.
Staging of cancer
Cancer is staged after diagnosis of cancer. Staging of cancer helps in determining the chances of survival, determining the best treatment method to be used, recognizing clinical trial options as well as understanding cancer better. Staging of cancer is determined by tumor size and extent of tumors, lymph node involvement, the location of the original tumor and presence or absence of distant metastasis.
The most common and effective method of staging cancer is the TNM classification system. This classification system should always be updated at least 6-8 months as the understanding of cancer continues to advance. Letter T, represent the size and extent of primary tumor, N represents the number of regional lymph nodes that have cancer and M refers to whether the tumor has spread to other body parts (Kroschinsky, 2017). If letter X is seen after T, N, or M, this is an indication that the category is unmeasurable. If number 0 follows T, N or M, then the category can’t be found.
Clinical staging assesses the extent of cancer through results obtained from imaging tests such as X-rays and scans, physical exams and tumor biopsies. Other results tests can also be used such as blood tests. Clinical stage helps in determining the best treatment to be used as well as comparing how treatment responds to different treatment. Another method of staging cancer is pathologic staging also known as the surgical stage of cancer. This stage depends on the results obtained from previous exams and tests mentioned above or through what is learned about cancer during surgery. The surgery is done to remove cancer or nearby lymph nodes. The surgery may also be conducted to determine the extent of cancer in the body and take out tissue samples. Pathologic stages differ from clinical staging especially when the surgery indicates that cancer has spread in the body more than it was expected. Pathologic stage helps the health care team to obtain vital information to be used in predicting treatment outcomes and response.
Complications and side effects of cancer treatment
Complications of cancer depend on the affected part of the body. Some of the common complications include fatigue, difficulty in swallowing, changes in bladder habits, weight gain or loss, persistent cough, persistent indigestion, and unexpected fevers among others.
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