Diagnostic Traps

Abstract

When early cancer seems possible, remember:

• 1. Negative results of examinations do not exclude cancer. These include laboratory tests, X-ray examinations and clinical examinations.

• 2. Positive tests must be verified and followed up. Writing them down in the medical record is not enough.

• 3. Diagnosis of any common disease does not exclude simultaneous cancer.

• 4. Increasing incidence with increasing age does not exclude cancer in younger persons.

• 5. Former traumas may or may not be responsible for new symptoms. The quickest explanation of symptoms is not always the right one.

• 6. Vague symptoms sometimes may become less vague with the help of a good medical history. Chronology, location, intensity, progression should be considered.

• 7. Confusing symptoms may reveal (or hide) endocrine disorders, while endocrine disorders may reveal (or hide) a tumour.