Pancreas cancer

Regular screening for pancreatic cancer isn't just recommended for high-risk adults. As patients at increased risk are more likely to get sick. Pancreatic cancer screening is carried out with the aim of early detection of possible neoplasms. Due to the fact that the task of preventive diagnostics is not easy, the main diagnostic methods are: CT, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and traditional ultrasound (ultrasound).

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect. Therefore, it is important to take into account the individual risk factors for the development of pancreatic cancer when deciding whether or not to include gastroscopy in the personal examination program.

Pancreatic cancer risk factors:

• • Alcohol abuse.
• • Smoking.
• • Abundance of fatty and spicy foods.
• • Diabetes.
• • Cirrhosis of the liver.
• • Cholelithiasis.
• • Hereditary predisposition (5-10% of all cases of prostate cancer), Lynch syndrome.
• • Men over 60 years old.
• • Precancerous diseases:
• Pancreatic adenoma.
• Chronic pancreatitis.
• Pancreatic cyst.

If you fall into this risk group, you should be examined regularly. Be sure to coordinate your examination plan with your gastroenterologist.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer includes the following:

• • Consultation with a gastroenterologist, surgeon and oncologist to identify risk factors, exclude or confirm the disease, clarify the diagnosis, plan additional examination and treatment.
• • Low-dose computed tomography (CT or MRI) every year.
• • Ultrasound (every year).
• • Gastroscopy. This examination is used to exclude the involvement of the stomach in the tumor process (as indicated by the doctor).
• • Puncture biopsy - carried out under ultrasound control, allows for a histological examination of a biopsy specimen and verification of the diagnosis (as indicated by a doctor).
• • Laboratory tests - determination of the tumor marker CA19-9 is used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of this analysis is 70-90% (as indicated by a doctor).
• • Diagnostic laparoscopy - to clarify the diagnosis and assess the prevalence of the process (as indicated by the doctor).

Along with regular check-ups, watch for any changes in your health. If you experience symptoms such as a persistent cough or chest pain, see your doctor right away.

Doctors of the NSC recommend to undergo regular preventive examination of the pancreas even in the absence of complaints. If you are at risk for a hereditary factor or due to chronic diseases, it is strongly recommended not to postpone the visit to the doctor.

Tests for pancreatic cancer survivors

If you have had pancreatic cancer, then you need an individualized test plan for recurrence. Check your examination plan with your doctor.

On the basis of the NROC, you can get a full examination within the “Gastroenterological” Check-up package.

At the NROC, you can undergo high-quality diagnostics, get a "second opinion" about the type of tumor cells in the diagnosis, and, if necessary, immediately begin and receive qualified treatment.

Esophageal cancer screening

There are two main types of malignant tumors, they account for more than 95% of all neoplasms of the esophagus:

• • Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer and is more common in the upper and middle esophagus.
• • Adenocarcinoma - usually develops in the lower part of the esophagus at the border of the stomach and is associated with the reflux of gastric juice onto the lining of the lower part of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus).

The rest of the tumors are much less common:

• • Sarcoma of the soft tissues of the esophagus
• • Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)

Doctors at the National Cancer Research Center strongly recommend timely screening for esophageal cancer, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

The risk factors listed below are the basis for a mandatory regular examination by a doctor and passing the necessary examinations.

Causes and risk factors:

• Smoking tobacco;
• Abuse of strong alcoholic beverages;
• Chemical burns of the esophagus (acetic acid, alkalis);
• Chronic reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
• Precancerous diseases:
• Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the squamous epithelial cells of the esophageal mucosa are replaced by intestinal-type cells. This usually occurs as a result of prolonged reflux of gastric juice and bile into the esophagus (congenital short esophagus, hiatal hernia, insufficiency of the muscle valve between the esophagus and stomach - the lower esophageal sphincter).
• Achalasia of the esophagus is a neuromuscular disease in which the motility of the walls of the esophagus is impaired and the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax when swallowing. As a result, food lingers in the dilated esophagus for a long time, without passing into the stomach.
• Cicatricial stricture - cicatricial narrowing of the esophagus after a chemical burn or as a result of chronic inflammation.

Esophageal cancer symptoms:

• Swallowing disorder (dysphagia) - a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat
• Vomiting (nausea)
• Pain when swallowing
• Weight loss
• Pain or discomfort in the chest or back
• Indigestion or heartburn over a long period of time
• Cough
• Hoarseness of voice

! Not all of the above symptoms are specific, that is, they may be associated with other diseases, but if they bother you for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

For the prevention and prevention of the disease, it is necessary:

• Regular examination by a gastroenterologist;
• FGDS;
• Elimination of risk factors.

In case of suspicion, the doctor will send for the necessary diagnostic tests:

• Fluoroscopy of the esophagus with contrast enhancement;
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy;
• CT scan;
• PET / CT;
• Endo-ultrasound.

At the NROC, you can undergo high-quality diagnostics, get a "second opinion" about the type of tumor cells in the diagnosis, and, if necessary, immediately begin and receive qualified treatment.

Material in development

Lung cancer screening

Lung cancer screening is currently only recommended for high-risk adults. This is because they are more likely to get sick.

High risk does not mean that you will definitely get lung cancer. But you may need to start regular checkups. Therefore, if you get cancer, your doctor will detect it at a very early stage. With early detection, the chances of a successful cure of the disease are high.

You should get screened for lung cancer if you:

• • Current smoker (or former smoker who has quit smoking in the last 15 years);
• • Have been smoking for 30 years (for example, one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years).

If you fall into this group, follow the survey schedule below:

Age 55 to 80

• • The doctor's consultation;
• • Low dose computed tomography (computed tomography or computed tomography) every year.

Along with regular check-ups, watch for any changes in your health. If you experience symptoms such as a persistent cough or chest pain, see your doctor right away.

At the NROC, you can undergo high-quality diagnostics, get a "second opinion" about the type of tumor cells in the diagnosis, and, if necessary, immediately begin and receive qualified treatment.

Endometrial (uterine) cancer screening

               Screening for endometrial cancer (uterine cancer) is only recommended for women at high risk.

               The increased risk does not mean that you will definitely get endometrial cancer. However, you need to start undergoing regular examinations for the prevention and early detection of tumor diseases. With early detection of cancer, the chances of successful treatment are significantly high.

Risk factors:

• Excessive growth of endometrial cells (endometrial hyperplasia). Hyperplasia is not yet cancer, but sometimes it can become malignant. Prolonged and heavy periods, spotting between periods, and bleeding after menopause are common signs of this condition. Endometrial hyperplasia is a common condition in women after 40 years.
• Obesity. Obese women have a greater risk of developing endometrial cancer.
• Complicated reproductive and menstrual history: women who have never had children, or menstruation began before the age of 12, or continued after 55 years.
• Taking hormonal contraceptives based only on estrogen, without a history of progesterone addition.
• History of tamoxifen (for the treatment of breast cancer).
• Complicated family history: women whose mothers, sisters or daughters have had endometrial cancer are at risk, as well as women with a hereditary form of colon cancer (Lynch syndrome).
• Postmenopause.

Women who include at least one of these risk factors should be regularly screened for endometrial cancer:

• Transvaginal ultrasound every 6-12 months.

               Along with regular examinations, you need to monitor your condition. Symptoms such as irregular bleeding or discharge should be reported to your doctor immediately.

               For women who have undergone endometrial cancer, an individual plan of examination for recurrence is required, drawn up by the attending physician.

               At the NROC, you can undergo high-quality diagnostics, perform a "revision of glass preparations" to obtain a "second opinion" about the type of tumor cells, and, if necessary, immediately begin and receive qualified treatment.

Testing for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer screening is currently only recommended for women at high or high risk.

That being said, the increased risk does not mean that you will definitely get ovarian cancer. However, you may need to start regular check-ups and examinations. Therefore, if you get cancer, your doctor will detect it at a very early stage. With early detection, the chances of a successful cure of the disease are high.

Monitor your condition along with regular examinations. If you notice some symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort or pain, an increase in abdominal volume, immediately contact your doctor who will send you for the necessary examinations.

You should be screened for ovarian cancer if you have any of the following risk factors:

• • BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (if you have been treated and are being monitored for breast cancer, endometrial cancer);
• • Estimated risk of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (female hereditary factor);
• • Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer).

If you fall into any of these risk groups, you should go through:

• • Transvaginal ultrasound every 6-12 months

If you have had ovarian cancer, check with your doctor about your plan for relapse testing.

At the NROC, you can undergo high-quality diagnostics, get a "second opinion" about the type of tumor cells in the diagnosis, and, if necessary, immediately begin and receive qualified treatment.

Colorectal cancer is a collective term that combines malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. About 25 million people worldwide suffer from this disease, and colon cancer accounts for almost 10% of all cancer incidence. About 3000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed for the first time in their lives in Kazakhstan every year. In the structure of oncological diseases, colorectal cancer ranks 4th.

Most often, the cause of the development of CRC is untreated polyps or a genetic predisposition. The highest incidence rate among economically secured population groups.

Causes and factors affecting the development of colorectal cancer:

• Age. The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer increases as the body ages. More than 90% of patients with colorectal cancer are over 50 years old. The average age of patients with colorectal cancer is about 60 years.
• Presence of colorectal polyps. Polyps are growths on the inner walls of the colon or rectum. They are common among people over 50. Most polyps are benign (non-carcinogenic), but some polyps (adenomas) can develop into cancerous growth. Early detection and removal of polyps can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Family history and heredity. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with the presence of cases in the family. The approximate proportion of colorectal cancer, which is based on hereditary causes, ranges from 5% to 30%. There are many hereditary pathologies (for example, familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch syndrome), which result in the development of colorectal cancer. People with these hereditary disorders need more frequent medical supervision.
• Personal history of colorectal cancer. A person who has had colorectal cancer in the past is susceptible to getting the disease a second time. Also, women with a history of ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Having a condition that causes inflammation of the colon (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer over the years.
• Improper nutrition. Research has shown that diets high in fat (especially animal-based) and low in calcium, folate and fiber contribute to colorectal cancer. Also, according to studies, people who do not consume enough fruits and vegetables are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Smoking. People who smoke cigarettes are at increased risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages. Drinking more than 45 g / day of pure ethyl alcohol (in alcoholic beverages) increases the risk of colon cancer by 45% and rectal cancer by 49%. Moreover, the effect of alcohol as a factor in the development of colorectal cancer may increase in the presence of obesity.
• Lack of vitamins and minerals. Scientific evidence shows that regular intake of vitamin D and calcium may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. A deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B6 can lead to disruption of DNA repair processes and a weakening of the body's antioxidant defense systems. As a consequence, a diet low in folate may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Beta-carotene, together with vitamins A, C and E, has an anticarcinogenic effect, participating in antioxidant protection and contributing to the regulation of the immune response.
• Lack of physical activity and obesity. The mechanism of the effect of obesity on the development of colorectal cancer is not fully understood; it is assumed that it consists in hyperinsulinemia. In contrast, physically active people have a 20–30% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. Even moderate levels of physical activity (walking 3-4 hours a week) significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease.

People with an increased risk of colorectal cancer should see a specialist to discuss the problem. The doctor can advise on ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease and make an optimal plan for the necessary research. Medical examination of patients helps the doctor determine the presence of polyps or cancer at an early stage, before symptoms of the disease appear. Timely detection and removal of polyps can prevent the development of colorectal cancer. Also, colorectal cancer treatment is more effective if the disease is detected at an early stage.

Typical symptoms:

• Changes in bowel habits;
• Diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the intestines are not emptied completely;
• Blood (bright red or very dark color) in the stool;
• Reduced bowel movements;
• General abdominal discomfort (frequent flatulence, bloating, swelling, pain);
• Weight loss for no apparent reason;
• Constant feeling of tiredness;
• Nausea and vomiting.

Very often, the above symptoms are not related to cancer. Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor in order to get a diagnosis and get treatment as soon as possible. Cancer is usually not painful in its early stages. It is very important not to wait for the onset of pain and consult a doctor in time.

Diagnostics:

• Total colonoscopy;
• Sigmoscopy;
• Screening:
• 1st stage - analysis of feces for occult blood (iFOBT), if it is positive, the patient is sent for a total screening colonoscopy;
• 2nd stage - total colonoscopy is performed to detect polyps and take biopsy material for morphological examination;
• Pathomorphological examination of identified polyps.

Screening for early detection of colorectal cancer:

To detect colorectal cancer in Kazakhstan, there is a national screening - a survey that is done in the absence of symptoms to healthy men and women. Screening allows you to detect the disease at an early stage, when there are no symptoms and nothing worries. Screening is necessary for men and women aged 50-70 years 1 time in 2 years in a polyclinic at the place of attachment.

If you become concerned about the previously listed symptoms, then immediately contact the doctor at the place of attachment for screening for colorectal cancer.

Prevention recommendations of doctors:

Proper nutrition:

• Significant reduction or exclusion from the diet of "red meat" (ham, hams, smoked sausages, etc.);
• Elimination of sugar abuse;
• Refusal from alcoholic beverages;
• Increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables and foods containing vegetable fiber (wholemeal bread, wheat or oat bran);
• Increase in consumption of foods containing calcium (milk and fermented milk products);
• Increased intake of vitamins A, C and D.
• Drinking more than 3 cups of coffee a day (has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing cancer)
• Refusal from smoking;
• Increased physical activity;
• Regular medical examinations.

However, early diagnosis is still the key to successful healing. For most patients, a late diagnosis of cancer means a poor prognosis. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, then timely surgical treatment increases the patients' chances of survival.

If you have any questions or want to get tested and find out about your state of health, you can contact the Call Center at 8 (7172) 702-911.

Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm that occurs in the cervical region. According to the WHO, about 500,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed worldwide every year. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, annually, cervical cancer is first detected in about 1800 women. In the structure of cancer incidence among women, both in the world and in the Republic of Kazakhstan, cervical cancer takes the 2nd place.

Causes of the disease and risk factors:

Currently, it is considered a proven link between the incidence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the risk of developing cervical cancer.

The risk group for dysplasia and cervical cancer includes women who have:

• Early onset of sexual activity;
• Early first pregnancy;
• Frequent change of sexual partners;
• The presence of papillomavirus or herpes infection in a woman, or her sexual partner;
• History of frequent abortions;
• Smoking;
• Untimely treatment of cervical pathology (erosion, dysplasia, leukoplakia, polyps);
• Weighed down heredity;
• Immunodeficiency states.

Disease symptoms:

Cervical cancer belongs to tumors that are asymptomatic for a long time. The appearance of clinical symptoms indicates an already developed tumor, in which women most often complain about:

• Bloody discharge from the genital tract, not associated
• menstruation, can be slight, smearing, or profuse, in rare cases, bleeding is observed. Often, spotting occurs after sexual intercourse - "contact discharge".
• Pain in the lower abdomen: may accompany bloody
• discharge, or occur with advanced forms of cancer as a result of the addition of an infection or germination of a tumor of other pelvic
• organs or structures (nerve plexuses, pelvic walls).
• Swelling of the extremities, external genital organs occurs when
• the progression of the disease in advanced and advanced cases.
• Dysfunction of the intestines and bladder. Retention of urine due to mechanical compression
• metastatic lymph nodes of the ureters with subsequent shutdown of the kidney from work.

Methods for diagnosing cervical cancer:

Diagnosis of cervical cancer is based on the identification of characteristic symptoms, the results of general and gynecological examinations. The main role in the diagnosis of cervical cancer is assigned to special research methods:

• Screening - taking a smear for cytological examination.
• Taking tissue for histological examination (biopsy).
• Colposcopy - examination of the cervix using an optical device (with a magnification of 7-28 times or more).

Doctor's recommendations for the prevention of cervical cancer:

Recommendations for reducing the risk of cancer in general and cervical cancer are prevention. Prevention of cervical cancer is divided into primary and secondary.

Primary prevention consists of eliminating risk factors:

• Prevention of early sexual activity, early marriages;
• Exclusion of frequent change of sexual partners;
• Use of personal protective equipment during sexual intercourse to prevent sexually transmitted infections (condom);
• HPV vaccination. After vaccination, women of different age groups develop stable immunity and remain the entire observation period.

Secondary prevention:

• Preventive medical examinations with a cytological examination of a smear in women over 20 years of age (smear for oncocytology) in examination rooms of a primary health care institution, once a year.
• For early detection of cervical cancer, every woman should be screened (women between 30 and 70 years old, every 4 years) at the clinic at the site of attachment.

If you become concerned about the previously listed symptoms, then immediately contact the doctor at the place of attachment for screening for colorectal cancer.

At the NSC, you can get a qualified consultation of a gynecological oncologist, go through the whole range of diagnostics and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system. To make an appointment and consultation with a doctor, you can contact the women's health center or call the Call Center number 8 (7172) 702-911.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor of the glandular tissue of the breast. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with an incidence rate of 99.4 per 100,000 women aged 13 to 90 years. In Kazakhstan, about 5,000 new cases of breast cancer are detected annually. In the structure of morbidity in the Republic of Kazakhstan, breast cancer has consistently ranked first for the last 15 years. In the structure of mortality from malignant neoplasms, breast cancer takes the 3rd place and annually claims the lives of about 1200 women.

Causes of the disease and risk factors for breast cancer:

Breast cancer occurs when breast cells, due to mutations, begin to divide uncontrollably and spread to surrounding tissues.

Factors influencing the development of breast cancer:

• • previous diagnosis of breast cancer;
• • have a family history of breast cancer;
• • identified mutations in the BRCA genes 1 and 2 or other gene mutations;
• • radiation therapy to the chest area performed before the age of 30 for Hodgkin's lymphoma;
• • early onset of menstruation - menarche (up to 12 years);
• • late onset of menopause (over 55);
• • hormone replacement therapy for more than 10 years, associated with the treatment of menopause or prescribed for the purpose of contraception;
• • absence of pregnancy and childbirth;
• • diabetes;
• • obesity;
• • smoking;
• • alcohol abuse.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

• • Nipple retraction;
• • Discharge from the nipple;
• • Pain in the breast or nipple area;
• • Skin infiltration (orange-peel-like skin) in the breast area;
• • The appearance of dense nodes in the armpit;
• • Ulceration of the skin in the breast area;
• • Swelling of all or part of the breast (even if a lump is not clearly felt);
• • Unexplained weight loss;
• • Weakness;
• • Redness, peeling, or thickening of the skin of the nipple or breast.

If signs appear that are not associated with inflammatory processes (mastitis) of the breast or breastfeeding, you should consult a mammologist. The doctor will discuss with you the disturbing symptoms, clarify a number of issues (family history, gynecological history), and examine the mammary glands and peripheral lymph nodes. If necessary, he will send for additional examination.

Breast cancer diagnostics:

Most tumors that arise in the mammary gland are benign and are considered not dangerous: they grow slowly, their cells do not differ significantly from healthy ones, and they do not spread to other organs or parts of the body.

Examination and palpation of the mammary glands are important techniques for understanding the size, structure, location and a number of other signs of tumor formations in the mammary gland.

In order to determine what kind of tumor it is, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations.

Ultrasound of the mammary glands. Research using an ultrasound probe, which allows you to assess the structure of breast tissue and identify pathological formations. Ultrasound is also used during a biopsy to obtain more accurate results when collecting cells or tissues. An ultrasound of the mammary glands is recommended for women under 40 years old 1 time per year.

Mammography. X-ray examination of the mammary glands. It is especially important in terms of screening - examination of healthy women without breast cancer symptoms, but it is also the main diagnostic method. A targeted biopsy is also performed using mammography.

MRI of the mammary glands. Appointed to clarify the nature of the previously discovered formation. It has the advantage of evaluating the mammary glands in women with a high risk of hereditary cancer (for example, with identified mutations in the BRCA genes 1 and 2).

Core biopsy. Taking a sample of the detected formation using a special needle, which is inserted into the tumor under ultrasound and / or mammography control. Based on the material obtained, a histological study is performed to confirm the diagnosis, as well as a special immunohistochemical study, which allows one to determine a number of important parameters - for example, the sensitivity of the tumor to hormone therapy and targeted therapy.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy. Performed if lymph node involvement is suspected. After receiving the material, it is subjected to cytological examination, which allows to identify malignant cells.

Histological examination. Analysis of tissue obtained during a biopsy. It is mandatory for the diagnosis. It is also carried out after surgical treatment, which makes it possible to more accurately establish the stage of the process. If chemotherapy was carried out before the operation, histological examination allows to determine the tumor response to the treatment, which is an important prognostic sign.

Molecular genetic research. It makes it possible to more accurately determine the presence of overexpression of the Her2 \ neu gene in those cases when the IHC data cannot accurately determine the status of this most important marker.

Screening for early detection of breast cancer.

To detect breast cancer, there is effective screening - an examination that is done in the absence of symptoms in healthy women. Screening allows you to detect the disease at an early stage, when there are no symptoms and the woman is not worried about anything. According to statistics, the risk of death from breast cancer is reduced by about 20%. Breast cancer detected on time in most cases is successfully treated.

In the Republic of Kazakhstan, within the framework of screening women aged 40-70 years, once every 2 years, mammography of both mammary glands is performed in two projections. It should be noted that all images are double reading: by the radiologist of the mammography office of the city, district polyclinic (mobile medical complex) - the first reading, and by the radiologist of the mammography office of the OC - the second reading. If necessary, women undergo in-depth diagnostics: targeted mammography, ultrasound examination of the mammary glands, trepanobiopsy, including under ultrasound control or stereotaxic control for histological examination.

Recommendations for the prevention of breast cancer:

Recommendations for reducing the risk of cancer in general and breast cancer in particular:

• • control weight;
• • be physically active;
• • eat more fruits and vegetables;
• • quit smoking and drinking alcohol;
• • give up hormone replacement therapy, if possible;
• • conduct the examination itself;
• • get a national breast screening.

The NSC uses a multidisciplinary approach, involving highly qualified surgeons, chemotherapists, radiologists and other specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor diseases. In addition, the center uses organ-preserving methods of surgical treatment, as well as operations to restore the mammary gland.

If you have any suspicions or questions, please call the Call Center 8 (7172) 702-911.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease that destroys liver cells and interferes with liver function. The condition can be self-limiting or lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

Viral hepatitis is the most common liver disease. Every year in the world only 1-2 million people die from acute viral hepatitis.

Causes of the disease and risk factors:

The most common pathogens of hepatitis in the world are hepatitis viruses, but other infections, toxic substances (such as alcohol and certain drugs) and autoimmune diseases can also cause it.

There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, called types A, B, C, D, and E. These 5 types pose a huge challenge because of the burden of disease and death they cause and their potential to cause disease outbreaks and epidemic spread. ...

The main cause of hepatitis A and E is usually the consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D usually result from parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission of these viruses include transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and, for hepatitis B, transmission from mother to child during childbirth, from family member to child, and through sexual intercourse. Hepatitis B and C, in particular, lead to the development of chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, in total, are the most common causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

There are two main forms of the clinical course of hepatitis: acute and chronic.

• • The acute form of the course is most typical for hepatitis of a viral nature, as well as for hepatitis caused by poisoning, including strong poisons.

In the acute form of the development of hepatitis, there is a noticeable deterioration in the general condition of the patient, the development of signs of general intoxication of the body and impaired liver function (increased body temperature, in some cases the development of jaundice, etc.), as well as an increase in the level of transaminases and total blood bilirubin.

With this form of the disease, favorable forecasts are quite possible. Except for her becoming chronic. In its acute form, the disease is easily diagnosed and easier to treat. Untreated acute hepatitis easily develops into a chronic form. Sometimes with severe poisoning (for example, alcohol), the chronic form occurs on its own.

• • The chronic form can develop on its own (for example, with chronic alcohol poisoning), or continue the development of acute hepatitis (viral hepatitis B, D). The clinical picture in chronic hepatitis is poor, the disease is asymptomatic for a long time. Characterized by a persistent increase in the size of the liver, dull pain in the right hypochondrium, intolerance to fatty foods, etc.

In chronic hepatitis, liver cells are gradually replaced by connective tissue, so that in most cases untreated chronic hepatitis leads to the development of liver cirrhosis. Patients with chronic hepatitis are at high risk of developing primary liver cancer.

Hepatitis symptoms:

Common, but not required, symptoms of acute hepatitis include:

• • Jaundice, the most well-known symptom, occurs when bilirubin, not processed in the liver, enters the bloodstream and gives the skin its characteristic yellowish tint. However, anicteric forms of hepatitis are also common;
• • Diarrhea;
• • Increased fatigue;
• • Loss of appetite and weight;
• • Slight increase in temperature;
• • Pain in muscles and joints;
• • Nausea, vomiting;
• • Mild pain or heaviness in the abdomen or right upper quadrant.

If you experience most of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.