ill-informed
by Lou Stewart
'Hypochondria, what's that? Oh my God, is it contagious?'
© stockbyte
The answer to this question is actually 'yes', with an estimated one in 10 people periodically over-anxious about their health. Self-diagnosis is also on the up, thanks in part to the mine of information – of mixed authority and value – available online, the medical dramas and documentaries hogging the airwaves and the health encyclopaedias that remain a staple of any family bookshelf.
But a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing for conclusion-leaping creatures such as ourselves. While the appearance of some symptoms drives many people to make frequent unnecessary trips to the doctor, others are scared into inactivity, thinking: "If I forget about it, maybe it will go away". So how do you know whether you're over-reacting or just being sensibly cautious? To help you tread the fine line, we've put together a guide to some common symptoms. Click on the links below for more information.
- blood in the faeces
- blood in the urine
- it's hard to urinate
- lumps in the testicles
- lumps in the breasts
- irregular, painful or heavy periods
- sore genitals
- coughing up blood
- moles, sores or lumps on the skin
- increased thirst
1. blood in the faeces
You don't want to be peering down there every day, but do look out for blood in the toilet occasionally. Whether blood in your stools is something serious depends on your age, how long it has been happening and other symptoms. It is possibly just a burst blood vessel or a lower bowel inflammatory disease but the worst-case scenario is bowel cancer (also know as colorectal cancer), the third most common cancer for men and the second most for women. It is more prevalent in older people – over 90 per cent of cases are in people over 50 years of age. Most often, blood on the toilet paper signifies piles, but if you do spot any bowel changes, visit your GP.
Get it checked out if: You find spots of blood (can be red or black); Changes in your bowel habit (such as constipation or diarrhoea) last longer than two weeks; You feel as though your bowel has not emptied completely.
It's not unusual: To have blood on the stool surface (and hence the toilet water). This usually means a blood vessel is bleeding, signifying haemorrhoids – nothing a simple trip to the chemist won't sort out. But don't run the risk of confusing common-old piles with bowel cancer… always consult your doctor.
More about piles.
2. blood in the urine
If you do find blood in your urine you will need to visit a doctor – even if the problem goes away. The cause of bleeding will need to be isolated to one of the organs in the urinary tract – the kidneys, ureter (the tube which carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder, prostate or urethra (the tube leading out of the bladder). There are a number of potential causes, the more serious being cancer, kidney stones or infection. It could, however, be a viral infection, harmless leakage from the bladder area, benign prostrate enlargement or Glomerulonephritis (an inflammation of the kidney caused by white blood cells or antibodies).
Get it checked out if: You see it, ever, simply to rule out the more serious possible causes. Men over fifty should have a yearly PSA (prostate specific antigen) to screen for prostate cancer.
It's not unusual: Whilst this problem should always be reported to your doctor, it may be caused by blood-thinning medications.
More about prostate problems.
3. it's hard to urinate
People of all ages may find it difficult to urinate at some stage of their lives, although it is most common in older men – especially those with an enlarged prostate gland. It is best to get the problem treated early as it can lead to urinary retention (complete inability to urinate).
Get it checked out if: There are additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, back pain or chills. Common causes include benign prostatic hyperplasia, a urinary tract infection (chronic or acute such as cystitis). However all men over fifty should have a yearly PSA and see their doctor if the condition persists.
It's not unusual: Many younger people are unable to urinate with others present ('stage fright') and some drugs such as cold remedies, antidepressants and nasal decongestants can impair urination. Think oceans, fountains and dripping taps.
More on prostate awareness , bladder problems and alternative remedies for cystitis.
4. lumps in the testicles
The thought that'll spring to most men's minds should they feel a little irregularity 'down under' is testicular cancer. That's not surprising: it is, after all, the most common cancer affecting young men in the UK, with one in 450 men diagnosed before the age of 50. The good news is that 90 per cent of men diagnosed with testicular cancer make a full recovery. Early diagnosis a crucial factor and regular (monthly) self-examination is the best way to detect a potential problem. It's best to perform a self-examination after a bath or shower, as the scrotum will be relaxed. Hold it in the palm of your hand and move your fingers and thumb to examine the shape, consistency and smoothness of the testicles.
Get it checked out if: You feel a pea-sized lump or there is swelling of one of the testicles. There may be an ache or pain around the testicle or in the scrotum.
It's not unusual: For one testicle to be bigger, or for one to hang lower than the other.
More about testicular cancer.
5. lumps in the breasts
This is the ladies' equivalent of the above: breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the UK, with a scary one in nine women diagnosed over their lifetime. If left untreated, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Most changes in the breast will be benign (if you're avoiding visiting your doctor because of what you may discover, consider this: a cheering nine out of 10 breast lumps are NOT a sign of cancer), but early detection is vital – as is breast awareness. You should examine your breasts each month and women over 50 should attend routine breast screening.
Get it checked out if: You feel a lump, swelling or thickening of the breast, armpit or around your collarbone; The shape or size of your breast changes, or if the skin changes (dimpling, puckering or redness); You have constant pain in one part of your breast or armpit.
It's not unusual: For one breast to be larger than the other, for nipples to look different, inverted nipples or to have a few hairs around the nipples. Your breast may become more tender/sensitive just prior to menstruation. Be aware of sudden changes.
More about checking for lumps.
6. irregular, painful or heavy periods
Most women will experience difficult periods at some point in their life. Many things affect menstruation – you may be late because you are stressed, exercising intensively or indeed, pregnant.
Get it checked out if: You don't have a period, or they are infrequent. The more serious causes (besides pregnancy) are endometriosis and polycystic ovary disease. Endometriosis may also cause painful ovulation or periods, heavy and irregular periods. If you bleed excessively ('flooding' or you pass clots), then there is the potential of an organic disease in the uterus. You may also be anaemic.
It's not unusual: To have a longer or shorter cycle – the menstrual cycle may vary between 21 and 42 days in normal women.
More about problem periods.
7. sore genitals
Male or female, gay or straight, sailor, soldier or social worker, you are likely to contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) at some point during your life. However, symptoms vary between different infections and many don't produce any symptoms at all (70% of women with chlamydia don't show symptoms). So how do you know if you have one? A general rule to follow is to get yourself to a GP or sexual health clinic if you notice anything different to normal – you can go without a doctor's referral, and they're confidential and free. Many are cured with a course of antibiotics or other medication, but the longer you leave it the more likely it may cause permanent damage (including infertility).
Get it checked out if: You notice an unusual discharge from your penis or vagina. Other symptoms of the more common STIs include pain or a burning sensation when you urinate, itches, blotches, rashes, lumps or bumps on your genitals and pain or bleeding during sex.
It's not unusual: To find spots on your penis. Pearly penile papules are often pale/white or skin-coloured, dome-shaped, and generally arranged in rows around the edge of the base of the penis. They are seen often in uncircumcised men and can be confused with genital warts.
More about STIs.
8. coughing up blood
Unless you regularly smoke stinging nettles, it shouldn't be too hard to notice a change here. You should note whether it consists of blood-streaked sputum (sputum with a small amount of blood), sputum and blood in equal proportions, or if nearly all of the sputum is blood.
Get it checked out if: You ever experience any unexplained coughing up of blood (it's not bleeding from the teeth or mouth). It could be a pulmonary infection such as bronchitis, laryngitis or pneumonia, a pulmonary embolus, lung cancer or cystic fibrosis.
It's not unusual: Coughing up blood from the lungs can be confused with bleeding from the mouth, throat, or gastrointestinal tract. Blood can also be inhaled into the lungs during a nosebleed.
9. moles, sores or lumps on the skin
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Although people who burn easily are most at risk, you don't have to have red hair and freckles to develop melanoma – if you are exposed to the sun, you run a risk. The incidence in the UK is increasing as more of us take holidays abroad more often. It is treatable, but early detection is paramount. You should note any changes in the appearance any skin lesion and alert your GP. Also look out for bleeding from moles.
Get it checked out if: You notice any changes in your ABCDs:
Asymmetry (the two halves of a mole/lesion are different)
Borders (irregular edges)
Colour (variation over the mole/lesion)
Diameter (usually larger than 6mm).
It's not unusual: To have moles or freckles, but do keep an eye out for changes.
10. increased thirst
Best not to worry here if you've just been to the gym, but excessive thirst and hence increased urination can be indicators of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and can indicate diabetes. Diabetes can be treated successfully if diagnosed early; if it's not diagnosed (and treated) soon enough, you run the risk of developing complications associated with diabetes such as kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and nerve damage. A simple blood test is all it takes to diagnose.
Get it checked out if: The condition persists (more than five days), is excessive or if it's accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision or fatigue.
It's not unusual: This is quite a common symptom and more often than not is caused by eating salty or spicy food or is due to excessive loss of water and salt (sweating, diarrhoea, or vomiting).
More about type 2 diabetes.
help and info
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websites
The Testicular Cancer Resource Center
http://tcrc.acor.org
A comprehensive US-based support and information site. Includes an e-mail support group, latest research findings, and the TCRC Dictionary – to explain all those complex medical terms.
Cancer Research UK
www.imperialcancer.co.uk
Provides information on 27 specific cancers, as well as general healthy lifestyle information, statistics and science and research.
CancerBACUP
www.cancerbacup.org.uk
Charity supporting all people affected by cancer – not just patients but also carers and health professionals. This website has over 3000 pages devoted to cancer information.
CancerHelp UK
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
A free information service about cancer for sufferers and their families. It is the patient information website of Cancer Research UK. All the information on this site is written in easy-to-understand English, with all medical terms explained.
Colon Cancer Concern
www.coloncancer.org.uk
A UK charity dedicated solely to reducing deaths from colorectal cancer through awareness and campaigning, information, education and research.
Breast Cancer Care
www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Supports and provides information for people affected by breast cancer. There are message boards to discuss breast cancer issues or simply read though other's discussions.
NHS Direct
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Research your symptoms online and use the 'self-help guide' to find out what may be causing those pains or call 0845 4647 to speak to a health professional – 24 hours a day.
FPA (formerly The Family Planning Association)
www.fpa.org.uk/information/leaflets/
Comprehensive website dealing with all aspects of sexual health.
Society of Sexual Health Advisers
www.ssha.info
UK and Irish site. Includes a location map for all GUM clinics.
Diabetes UK
www.diabetes.org.uk
Charity helping people live with diabetes. Find out what it is, how it is treated and managed and get the latest medical news.
(December 2003, resources updated February 2005)
