Symptoms and course of thyroid cancer, and the prognosis depends on what stage of development, it has been revealed, and how quickly the patient was assigned appropriate treatment. Of particular importance is the timely detection of early and latent cancer of the thyroid gland.

What is the TNM classification of thyroid cancer

TNM classification of cancer of the thyroid gland sends some of the most important parameters of the tumor. This common classification allows any doctor immediately investigate the situation and to start treatment. In addition, a single classification facilitates statistical processing of data about cancer.

The system was developed by stages TNM American joint Committee and the International Union against. The sixth edition of this classification was adopted in 2002. It is based on two parameters: the prevalence of the tumor and the patient's age.

The incidence of tumor expressed the letters (T, N, M) and numbers (from 0 to 4, and the broken apart letters a, b):

• T - expresses the prevalence of primary tumor;
• N - expresses the tumor metastasis to nearby lymph nodes;
• M - expresses distant metastasis of the tumor to other organs and tissues.

The incidence of the primary tumor

The incidence of the primary tumor is divided into four steps:

• T0 - the primary tumor in the thyroid gland during surgery is not detected;
• T1 - a tumor in the thyroid gland The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones   2 cm or less; T1a - tumor 1 cm or less, T1b - tumor greater than 1 cm and less than 2 cm;
• T2 - thyroid tumor greater than 2 cm, but less than 4 cm in greatest dimension, not germinate capsule cancer;
• T3 - the tumor is greater than 4 cm in greatest dimension within the thyroid gland or tumor of any size with germination thyroid capsule (e.g., sprouting in a short contiguous muscle or adipose tissue);
• T4 - is divided into two sub-steps: T4a - tumor of any size, germinating capsule of the thyroid gland and spread to the surrounding soft tissues, larynx, trachea, esophagus, or recurrent laryngeal nerve; T4b - tumor sprouting prespinal fascia, carotid artery or retrosternal vessels.

The classification takes into account the fact of what cells is a tumor. They can be differentiated and undifferentiated mixed. The most dangerous tumor - undifferentiated - they quickly grow and metastasize. All nedifferntsirovannye malignant thyroid tumors (even the smallest) refer to step T4, irrespective of their size. For non-differentiated tumors have their own stages of neoplastic process:

• T4a - nedifferenirovannaya malignant tumor, without departing from the thyroid tumor is operable;
• T4b - undifferentiated malignant tumor spread beyond the thyroid gland - an inoperable tumor.

The presence of metastases in regional lymph nodes in the neck

The presence of metastases in regional lymph nodes of the neck is divided into the following steps:

• NX - the presence of regional metastases is impossible to determine;
• N0 - no regional metastases;
• N1- regional metastases is; N1a - metastasis to the lymph nodes located near the larynx and trachea; N1b - metastases to cervical lymph nodes side with one or both sides, on the opposite side or retrosternal lymph nodes.

The presence of distant metastases in various organs and tissues

Stages of distant metastases Metastasis - danger everywhere :

• MX - the presence of distant metastases is impossible to evaluate
• M0 - no distant metastases;
• M1 - distant metastases are present.

Stages of thyroid cancer

On the basis of classification by the TNM system performed the division of tumor stage and prognosis of its treatment. There are four stages of thyroid cancer, the initial of the first to fourth severe. But steps can be different for different types of cancer.

Early thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer: it is curable   (TC) - a malignant tumor of less than one centimeter in diameter (microcarcinoma) without metastases (T1 N0 M0). Hidden or occult thyroid cancer called clinical methods not defined the primary tumor, the first symptoms are metastases to nearby lymph nodes or distant metastases (T0 N1 M0, T0 N1 M1, T0 N0 M1).

There are four stages of thyroid cancer:

• Stage I - the tumor does not change the shape of the thyroid gland, with no germination of the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes Lymph nodes - what keeps our immune system ;
• Stage II - tumor reshapes the thyroid, but sprouting into the surrounding tissue and no metastases;
• Stage III - tumor invades the thyroid capsule, there may be metastases to regional lymph nodes;
• Stage IV - tumor invades surrounding tissues and organs have metastases in regional lymph nodes and to distant organs.

Diagnosis of thyroid cancer is always placed on the basis of the TNM classification.

Galina Romanenko

Prostate cancer - a cancer that begins to develop in the prostate gland. The prostate gland - a small structure, the size of a walnut, which is part of the male reproductive system.

Causes and risk factors

Prostate cancer is the most common cause of death in patients with cancer among men older than 75 years. This disease is rarely found in men younger than 40 years.

By the risk of developing prostate cancer include:

• Men older than 60 years;
• Men have one's brothers and / or fathers had prostate cancer;
• Men who abuse alcohol;
• Workers in agriculture;
• Men in the diet that a lot of fat, especially of animal origin;
• Workers tire plants;
• Men working with different dyes.

Symptoms

Often, the prostate cancer is detected by analyzing the prostate specific antigen before the disease will cause any symptoms.

The following symptoms tend to appear in the later stages of prostate cancer:

• Slow urination;
• Isolation of a certain amount of urine after urination;
• Inability to completely empty the bladder Urinary bladder - structure and function   during urination;
• The presence of blood in urine Blood in the urine - a reason for serious concern   or semen;
• Sore bones or joints, most often in the lower back and pelvis (only in the propagation of the tumor beyond the prostate).

Diagnostics

For the final diagnosis of prostate cancer requires a biopsy. This procedure may be appointed under the following conditions:

• Blood tests showed a high level of prostate-specific antigen;
• During rectal examination revealed enlargement of the prostate and / or a rough surface.

The analysis results are used to evaluate prostate cancer Gleason score, which allows you to determine how quickly the cancer may spread. The higher the number on the scale, the greater the likelihood that the cancer will spread beyond the prostate.

Treatment

The choice of treatment for prostate cancer depends on many factors, including the testimony of the Gleason score and the overall health of the patient.

In the early stages of prostate cancer may be used the following treatments:

• Surgery (radical prostatectomy);
• Radiation therapy, including brachytherapy and proton therapy.

Older patients may be recommended monitoring of cancer using blood tests and a biopsy.

If prostate cancer has spread to other tissues, for the treatment may be used:

• Hormone therapy (medication to lower testosterone levels);
• Surgery;
• Chemotherapy.

These treatments can affect sexual desire and potency. The consequence of surgery and radiotherapy Radiotherapy in cancer treatment: irradiation aid   It can also be urinary incontinence.

For some time after the end of treatment for prostate cancer patient must undergo regular medical examination - is required to make sure that the cancer has not spread further.

During treatment, the patient can be a useful support groups where they can share their problems with people suffering from the same disease.

Forecast

The success of treatment depends on the stage of prostate cancer and a Gleason score readings. In some cases of prostate cancer can be cured even if it has already begun to spread to other tissues.

Hormone therapy can significantly extend life even when incurable cancer.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of prostate cancer may be due to adjustments in diet. The basis of the diet should be foods that contain omega-3 and plant foods. The traditional Japanese diet, and a vegetarian diet can prevent the development of prostate cancer.

Drugs used to treat prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia Hyperplasia - do not be afraid   prostate cancer), also contribute to the prevention of prostate cancer.