Is Cancer a Virus? How do I Detect it? What are its symptoms?

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Cancer is a genetic disease that is caused by the ways that our cells mutate due to changes in the genes. There may be several reasons why someone gets cancer, but the underlying reason why cancer cells grow is due to errors in cell division, damage to DNA, etc.


There may be a risk present when there is chronic exposure to viruses, such as with the hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, HTLV, and hepatitis c virus infection. These viruses can lead to the development of cancer cells, depending on the area being impacted.


However, cancer is not a virus and can't be spread from one person to another. This is important to know so that you're able to provide care and treatment to someone with cancer without fear of it spreading.


When asking is cancer a virus, it is important to understand that there are different types of cancer that can impact the body in different ways. You should understand how medication, chemotherapy, and other treatment protocols can help patients.

These are some of the signs that cancer may be present

These are some of the major signs that you may have cancer present. It is important to note that you may have more region specific symptoms that may be impacting your organs or functions. You should track these symptoms over time to check if there is escalation.

Sudden loss of weight

You may experience a sudden loss of weight which may not be related to other conditions. There may also be more complicated types of cancer present, such as the primary effusion lymphoma or the hepatocellular carcinoma, which can cause significant weight loss.

Constant feeling of fatigue

Fatigue that isn't connected to a deficiency or condition, may be related to cancer cell growth. Adult T cell leukemia and other human cancer types can have symptoms such as rashes, swelling of nodes, and fatigue.

Presence of lump

There may be a presence of lumps that aren't indicative of any type of thyroid or skin condition. There may be a risk of human cancers present in the body, which can be active in the form of human tumor viruses.

Delays in wound healing

This is another vital sign according to the national cancer institute and other medical bodies. If you find that your wounds are taking longer than normal to heal, then getting a complete blood test done should be important.

Changes in skin

In the case of cancers such as human merkel cell carcinoma, there may be changes in the skin that can be detected. You can get further testing done to check your risk of cancer cell development. You can also see if there are other reasons for skin texture changes.



Difficulty breathing

If you are finding it difficult to breathe without having any other medical conditions, then getting a blood test done is important. This may be connected to a range of medical conditions and issues, which is why getting a check-up done is key.

Unexplained bleeding

This is a critical symptom that shouldn't go undetected. Your risk of liver cancer rises if you have hepatitis c virus causing bleeding internally as well.

Falling sick frequently

There may be an impact on the immune system of the body, as the normal cells are impacted over the course of the condition.

Here's how cancer can be detected

Doctors can identify cancer through the following methods. You can start with a direct examination to check if there is a possibility of cancer present.

Direct examination

A doctor may examine any bumps and elevations in the skin through a direct physical examination. This may provide an initial assessment of the health condition you may be experiencing.

Blood tests

Blood tests are ideal for checking for cervical cancer, lung cancer, etc. by analysing the different biomarkers. AFP, CEA, and other markers can be checked to determine cancer risk.

Urine tests

Urine tests are also ideal to detect anomalies, including cancer cells, through marker testing. You can also book a home test for urine sample collection.

Imaging tests

MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds can be performed for different organs, where the threat of cancer can be detected.



Biopsy

The cell biopsy is the most accurate way to detect cancer cells in the body. Your doctor may recommend a biopsy in the event of certain risk factors detected during other examinations.

How do I book a cancer screening test in India?

You can get a cancer screening test through MyDiagnostics starting from INR 6700 through our cancer screening package. You can get your report via email within 48-72 hours. 


Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).

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