The causes of oncology in children and adults. Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of oncological diseases

Oncology belongs to relatively young medical sciences. However, its development is very fast. The active study of oncological diseases is associated with the rapid growth rates of these pathologies. Millions of people die from tumors of a malignant nature. A high percentage of mortality and morbidity is observed everywhere, including in developed countries.

Cancer can be treated with difficulty, especially in later stages. Therefore, the actions of doctors and scientists are aimed at preventing this deadly disease. To resist oncological pathologies, it is necessary to know the causes of their occurrence. At present, many etiological factors are known to lead to the development of cancer.

World statistics of oncological diseases

According to world statistics, oncological diseases occupy the third place in terms of mortality rates. Diseases are mostly attributed to the elderly. However, over the past decade, the pathology has "grown younger." Some types of cancer are found in childhood. Among them - cancer of lymph nodes, blood, soft tissues. Depending on the location of the primary tumor nucleus, statistics of malignant neoplasms have been compiled. Among the female population, breast cancer is most common. It is followed by oncological diseases of the cervix, stomach, intestines, thyroid gland. In men, lung cancer is the first in terms of frequency. Also, malignant lesions of the prostate, stomach, rectum, liver, etc., often occur.

The most frequent oncological pathologies, regardless of the patient's sex, are: skin, lung and breast cancer. Among the patients of childhood, common types of malignant tumors are: lymphomas, neuro- and retinoblastomas, leukemia. They are followed by tumors of bones and soft tissues, kidneys.

What does an oncologist do?

About 100 years ago, malignant processes were performed by surgeons. It was believed that the treatment of tumors consists only in their removal. At the moment there are many ways to treat. An oncologist is engaged in the detection of cancer .

The duties of this specialist include the following:

1. Diagnosis of malignant tumors.
2. Determination of the pathology stage and the group of dispensary observation.
3. Selection of methods of treatment, referral to a specialized medical institution.
4. Accounting and monitoring of patients.
5. Examination of persons who have a predisposition to oncological pathologies.
6. Provision of palliative care for patients who are not shown treatment in connection with the serious condition and prevalence of cancer in the body.

Depending on the specialization of the oncologist, there are several types of doctors. These include: a chemotherapist, a radiologist and a general surgeon involved in the removal of tumors.

Causes of Oncological Pathologies

It is impossible to state with accuracy the causes of oncology. However, in numerous studies, it has been found that several factors contribute to the development of cancer. These include:

1. Smoking. The risk of development of oncology increases in people prone to bad habits.
2. Incorrect food. For the manufacture of products today, chemicals are actively used - pesticides. Many of them are considered carcinogens.
3. Genetic predisposition is another cause of oncology. Often, cancer occurs in the representatives of one family.
4. The impact of the environment. The increase in morbidity is associated with the deterioration of the environment.
5. The impact of viruses. These are the pathogens that are in the body all the time. Among them - the Epstein-Barr virus, CMV, various types of HPV, ureaplasma, chlamydia, etc.
6. Stressful effects. In most cases, malignant tumors develop in people who are depressed and who react acutely to various life situations.
7. Endocrine disorders.

The causes of oncology may be different. However, under the influence of the same factors, some people develop cancerous degeneration of cells, while others do not. Therefore, the individual characteristics of the body are of great importance.

The role of the environment in the development of cancer

Changes in the environment have a significant impact on the health of the population. The deterioration of the ecological situation is a huge problem. Due to the appearance of an "ozone hole", the appearance of smog over large cities, pollution of water and soil, there is a tendency to increase pathologies. Especially it concerns oncological diseases and genetic defects.

The risk of developing cancer is increased if there are radioactive substances in the area. Because of ionizing radiation, there are tumors of the thyroid gland, lymphoid tissue, blood. Long stay in the sun is considered one of the reasons for the development of melanoma - one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The arid climate leads to the appearance of a lip tumor, the regeneration of the mucous membranes.

The influence of hormonal changes on the development of cancer

According to doctors, the causes of oncology lie in the change in the hormonal background. Increased secretion of estrogens and a decrease in the functional activity of the thyroid gland is found in almost all women with breast cancer. Another proof of this theory is that oncological processes in the mammary glands and genitals (cervix, ovaries, endometrium) develop in patients taking long-term hormonal contraceptives. Symptoms of cancer in women are often associated with hyperestrogenism. These include: emotional lability, a change in the menstrual cycle, dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Causes of cancerous tumors in children

The causes of oncology in children have not yet been fully elucidated. As in adults, the appearance of cancer in a child is associated with a hereditary anamnesis, adverse effects, stress. The risk of tumors increases with the influence of carcinogenic factors on the fetus. Incorrect bookmarking of organs during child bearing occurs for the following reasons:

1. The use of medications that are contraindicated in pregnant women.
2. Late age of mother and father (older than 35 years).
3. Alcoholism, smoking.
4. Development of infectious diseases in the mother.
5. Reception of narcotic substances.
6. Stressful factors.

Oncological pathologies in most cases occur in children with congenital anomalies. Teratomas are often subjected to atypia. As a result, a malignant tumor develops.

Causes of cancer in the adult population

The causes of oncology in adults are the same. Cancer often develops in the elderly and senile age. One of the reasons is the weakness of the immune defense. In addition, malignant tumors in adults develop against a background of precancerous pathologies. These include chronic inflammatory processes that have undergone cirrhotic changes. Among them: gastric ulcer, cervical erosion, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, viral hepatitis, pancreatitis, etc.

Unlike children, adults are more exposed to stress, so this factor is considered one of the leading in the development of cancer. Also of great importance is long-term smoking. It is believed that it is the main etiological factor in the development of lung cancer. The risk of this pathology rises in people who smoke more than 1 pack a day for many years.

The role of nutrition in the development of oncology

Scientists believe that the causes of oncology lie in the wrong diet. Unfortunately, in the modern world, many products undergo gene modification. This is due to the addition of pesticides to various products. These chemicals have a carcinogenic effect. In addition, improper nutrition leads to the occurrence of chronic pathologies of the stomach and intestines. These diseases are related to precancerous conditions. Therefore, it is recommended not only to consume natural foods, but also to combine them correctly when preparing food.