Awareness Saves Lives Lung cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the lungs. Like other cancers, as the disease develops, tumors are formed. As the disease progresses, it has the potential to spread to other regions of the body. Lung cancer is an umbrella term referring to several different cancers in the lung, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLCs start in lung tissue. It is comprised of three specific diseases: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. SCLCs are a rarer form, originating in the bronchi. They are similar in symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. SCLCs tend to be more aggressive than NSCLCs. When cancer is more “aggressive”, it means that the growth of the cancer cells is more rapid. Rapid progression of cancer means that tumors grow faster and spread to other parts of the body more quickly, meaning the time window for “effective” treatment is smaller and the prognosis is poorer than non-aggressive cancers. Getting a Diagnosis Anyone can get lung cancer. This is no population of people that have absolute immunity from the disease. That being said, certain groups of people are more likely to contract lung cancer than others. [youmaylike] Generally, lung cancer is found in older people over the age of 65. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco, can increase the risk of getting a diagnosis. Remember, just are there are no populations that are immune to developing cancer, but there are plenty of “at-risk” individuals who will never develop it. This does not mean you should ignore warnings over certain activities, such as smoking, just because you can think of someone who was an exception to the rule. Early Signs of Lung Cancer When it comes to cancer, one of the most important things you can do is get an early diagnosis. Early detection will put you in a better position in terms of treatment. Catching the disease before it gets the chance to travel to other parts of the body will make it easier to treat. If it does not spread, physicians can concentrate treatment techniques on specific areas, which can drastically increase your chances of beating it. The main problem that makes cancer so deadly is that you often do not notice until it is too late. Oftentimes, the early signs of disease are easy to overlook. Unfortunately, lung cancer normally does not cause any noticeable symptoms until later on. If you are demographically vulnerable to developing lung cancer, consider paying special attention to these early warning signs: Chronic cough, with no apparent cause. Coughing up blood; you may notice spotting on tissues. Chest, back, or shoulder pain, especially when you take deep breaths or laugh. Inappropriate shortness of breath, which may happen when doing non-strenuous, daily activities that should not cause any breathing problems. Weight and appetite loss, with no apparent cause. Fatigue or feelings of weakness with no known cause. Hoarseness, or having a raspy voice, can be a sign of respiratory problems. Wheezing, even during regular breathing. Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Any persistent respiratory infection should be brought to the attention of your physician. As lung cancer advances, the severity of symptoms will worsen for most patients. Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs of cancer may manifest after the disease has had time to progress. These symptoms will arise in response to the fact that the disease has entered other parts of the body. How you experience these symptoms will depend heavily on where the cancer spreads to. Bone pain: Can occur anywhere in the body but likely in the hip or the back. Jaundice: The yellowing of skin and eyes is a sign the liver has been disrupted by something. Disturbances to the nervous system: When cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause many different symptoms. These symptoms can include things such as persistent headaches, fatigue, numbness, lightheadedness, seizures, and sudden problems with balancing. When to See a Doctor You should always discuss any major changes in your bodily functions with your doctor. It is impossible to know whether or not something is cancerous until you undergo a medical examination. More than likely, these symptoms are not cancer. This does not mean that you should ignore them. Even if a collection of symptoms is not cancer, it can be a sign of another medical condition. As early intervention is essential for dealing with any cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice these problems when they become persistent and occur with no explanation.
How Long Do STD Tests Take?
If you believe you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you may be worried about your long-term health at the moment. There are various types of STDs. While some can be treated with medication, some common diseases, like herpes or HIV, are permanent and can affect your quality of life. If you believe you are at risk, testing is needed. So, how long do STD tests take and what do you need to know about them? Read on.
Depending on the STD and the moment from when the symptoms start appearing, testing your body for the strain can take several weeks after you have been exposed. If you have a curable STD, your doctor will get a re-test before beginning treatment.
But keep in mind, time is of the essence. STDs and STIs do not work as viral infections. Referring to the sexually transmitted part of the term, you can only get these infections and diseases from sexual contact with an already infected person.
If you suspect that the person you came into contact with was infected, you must get yourself tested as soon as possible.
What Are the Most Common STDs?
Several common STDs do display symptoms within the first few days or weeks. Unfortunately, given the nature of these diseases, it is also common for them not to show any symptoms at all. So, you might go months or even years without knowing you have an STD.
The National Coalition for Sexual Health lists various timelines for sexually active people. Whether you have been abstinent for a short period or even if you are in a long-term relationship, it is wise to get tested, especially if your doctor recommends it. There’s no need if you believe you have not exposed to any STDs.
However, if you have had multiple partners or are in an open relationship, or are polyamorous, this will increase your chances of developing symptoms for the following STDS:
Chlamydia
Symptoms occur one to three weeks after exposure, though they can start later as well. Symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain in women (testicular pain in men)
- Pain when urinating
- Discharge from the penis or vagina
- Vaginal bleeding after sex or after menstruation
Gonorrhea
Symptoms occur in the first two weeks after exposure. Symptoms include:
- Yellow or green discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain while urinating
Scabies
Symptoms occur within the first six weeks or at the six-week mark. Symptoms may occur within four days if previously diagnosed. Symptoms include:
- Spotted red rashes
- Itching on and around the genital area (worse at night time)
Syphilis
Symptoms occur two to three weeks after exposure but can develop sooner. Symptoms include:
- Blotchy rashes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Painless ulcers or sores on the genitals
- Ulcers or sores may ooze syphilis bacteria
Genital Herpes
Symptoms may develop four to seven days after exposure. However, there is a greater chance you may not have any indications of the infection. Symptoms include:
- Severe itching around the genitals
- Tingling sensation around the genitals
- Pain while urinating
- Painful blisters on the genitals
Genital Warts
Symptoms may develop three weeks later, but they may also take months or even years to develop. Symptoms include:
- Itchy growth around the genitals
- Small growths and bumps around the anus and genitals (growth will not be so obvious)
HIV
Symptoms may develop within two to six weeks. Symptoms include:
- Red rashes all over the body
- High fever, headaches, aching joints and muscles, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms
Duration for STD Testing
To answer "how long do STD tests take?" it is good to know that each test is different, depending on the type of STD. Here's what to expect:
- Chlamydia: The type of tests used include blood, urine, or a swab test, and the re-test period will be three months.
- Gonorrhea: Testing includes blood, urine, or swab test. There’s a wait period of two weeks after a confirmed diagnosis and treatment to ensure negative results.
- Herpes: This is tested via a Pap smear for women; there’s no test for men. There is no re-test period.
- Syphilis: This is tested through a blood test with a re-test period of three months.
- HIV: This can be tested through a blood test, saliva sample, or nucleic acid test. There’s no re-test period.
Swab sample is typically taken from the throat, cervix, rectum, or vaginal canal
STDs, like genital warts, scabies, and genital herpes, require a physical examination before the doctor can make a diagnosis. Because of the obvious physical symptoms each STD causes, your doctor may inquire about your recent sexual history to estimate a timeline.
After making a diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe medication to control the severity of the STD symptoms.
A Note on Preventing STDs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using condoms, getting tested before initiating sex, and getting vaccinated to prevent STDs. They also recommend talking with your partner about safe sex and getting tested if either has been with multiple partners.
While it does seem like an uncomfortable conversation, talking about STDs and your past experiences ensures you and your partner are both safe during sex. If you need further education on STDs, the CDC also recommends talking with your healthcare provider to know all the details on keeping yourself safe.
Final Thoughts
While getting an STD may be disruptive to your lifestyle, it is not life-threatening, and now you know the answer to "how long do STD tests take?" You also know how to spot the signs and symptoms of STDs, and when you should seek a doctor's help.
Getting regularly tested and being safe can easily prevent STDs. So, educate yourself and be aware of the information regarding safe sex.
Your body is a temple, and you must do the best you can to protect it from anything that may cause it harm.