Oncological diseases are included in the list of the most serious violations of the work and health of the human body. If cancer is detected early, it can be successfully treated. But the later it is possible to diagnose it, the less chances for a full recovery.

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Unfortunately, the initial stages of the development of the disease are asymptomatic, and when the first signs appear, the patient does not attach particular importance to them due to the non-specificity of the manifestations. In order to detect the problem in a timely manner, you should regularly undergo a comprehensive examination.

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The fourth stage of cancer is the uncontrolled spread of atypical malignant cells throughout the body that cannot be reversed. The disease is no longer localized in one specific organ, the tumor grows into neighboring tissues, affects the circulatory and lymphatic systems and with their help spreads to distant parts of the body (metastases).

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In this case, the primary oncological focus can have dimensions within 1 cm or reach large diameters (up to 30 cm).

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1. Symptoms of the last stage of cancer

The World Cancer Organization has defined the criteria according to which a diagnosis is made. These include:

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• any type of bone cancer;

• the presence of a malignant tumor of a progressive nature with spread to several organs (pancreas, bone tissue, brain, liver, lungs);

• aggressive forms of oncology development (multiple myeloma, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, lung damage, etc.);

• fast-growing neoplasms.

The fourth stage has pronounced symptoms. First of all, it is strong pain in the area affected by cancer. Other symptoms depend on the location of the primary focus. With the spread of malignant cells in the intestine, there is a violation of the stool, lungs - shortness of breath, cough, sputum with blood, stomach - indigestion, nausea, vomiting, etc.

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Also, there are signs of the last stage of cancer, characteristic of all forms of oncology:

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• a sharp loss of body weight;

• loss of appetite;

• subfebrile temperature;

• headache;

• excessive fatigue and drowsiness;

• general weakening of the body and immunity;

• poor exercise tolerance.

The life expectancy of a person in the last stage of cancer varies significantly. This is due to the aggressiveness of various types of oncology and the speed of spread. If the lung structures are damaged for more than 5 years, 10% live, the stomach - 15-20%, the pancreas and liver - 5%, this is the worst indicator.

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It is impossible to completely cure the disease at this stage, but thanks to palliative treatment, you can significantly prolong life and improve well-being. Symptoms depend on the location and rate of penetration into other areas of the body of metastases. When the neoplasm grows into the mediastinum and lymph nodes, problems with swallowing and pronunciation of words are observed, and superior vena cava syndrome appears. The pressure of the tumor on the chest organs has a very negative effect on the general condition of the patient.

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The symptoms may seem unrelated to the disease. Examples include jaundice, pain in the abdomen, back, frequent fractures, etc.

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2. Reasons for the appearance

Recently, there has been a steady tendency for patients to seek medical help late in the fight against oncology. Insufficiently strict control of regular examinations and patients' own inattention to their health lead to frequent cases of diagnosing the last stage of cancer.

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A number of factors can lead to the appearance of cancer. The main ones are:

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• unfavorable ecology;

• alcohol and smoking abuse;

• diseases with a violation of the structure of cells;

• exposure to radiation or ultraviolet rays;

• the action of carcinogens;

• hereditary predisposition;

• old age (the development of cancer in people over 45 occurs most often).