Most important is examination of the testicles, which can develop tumours. These may be highly malignant. If detected early, the prospect of a successful cure is very high.
With the fingers, gently feel each testicle. Normally, they are smooth, oval and regular in shape. If the testicle is enlarged and feels heavy compared with the other side, seek medical advice.
(Note: it is quite natural for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other).
Skin can develop cancers, some have low malignancy.
People who have lived in hot climates for long periods tend to suffer rodent ulcers. These occur on the face and form small ulcers, commonly in a triangular area between the eyebrow above and the lower jaw below.
If a sore doesn't heal, seek medical advice. These cancers can often be cured by a single exposure to deep X-rays.
Other skin tumours, which are far more dangerous are melanomas. These occur at extremities of the body; toes, ankles, lower calf, hands, arms and shoulders.
They are less common on the head, although they may occur in the roof of the mouth. They are usually pigmented moles. Should any moles start to grow larger, seek medical advice.
Early detection often results in a complete cure. Some of the melanomas may not be pigmented. Seek medical advice about any suspicious lumps.
WOMEN
It is most important to correctly examine each breast. Use the flat of the hand and gently press against breast tissue moving the hand in a slow circular motion.
Using the fingers, press below the nipple in a lifting motion. This will uncover any lumps behind the nipple.
Raise one hand and place it on the back of the head. This will stretch the breast tissues and aid in the detection of lumps.
After the breasts, examine each arm pit to feel for any lumps. Seek medical advice if any are detected.
Skin can develop cancers, some have low malignancy.
People who have lived in a hot climate for long periods tend to suffer from rodent ulcers. These occur on the face and form small ulcers, commonly in a triangular area between the eyebrow above and the lower jaw below.
If a sore on the face doesn't heal, seek medical advice. These cancers can be cured by a single exposure to deep X-rays.
Other skin tumours, which are far more dangerous are melanomas. These occur at extremities of the body; toes, ankles, lower calf, hands, arms and shoulders.
They are less common on the head, although they may occur in the roof of the mouth. They are usually pigmented moles. Should any moles start to grow larger, seek medical advice.
Early detection often results in a complete cure. Some of the melanomas may not be pigmented. Seek medical advice about any suspicious lumps.
ROUTINE MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Modern medical practice is now concerned more with prevention. There are two areas where screening is important:
° Cervical cytology (women)
° Blood pressure
Without doubt, early detection of cancer of the cervix is treatable and curable (detection by pap smear).
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Raised blood pressure can be adequately treated and can help to minimise the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
A general physical examination will illustrate areas where health may be improved. This may involve changing your diet, getting more exercise, reducing stress and so on.
However, the examination is not a guarantee of perfect health and may not, for example, give warning of a heart attack the following day!!
Rather, the examination offers an overall insight into the current health of your body and may help with early detection of a serious underlying medical condition (of which you may be completely unaware).
Many serious medical conditions, (e.g. cancer), are often completely curable if detected early.
A usual medical examination may involve the following:
° Enquiry into previous illness and family illness
° Careful examination of lungs with a stethoscope
° Chest X-ray
° Examination of the circulatory system
° Pulse tested
° Observation of heart (listening to heartbeat)
° Blood pressure recorded
° Electrocardiogram
° Examination of abdomen
° Examination of central nervous system
° Examination of eyes by retinoscopy
Women will also have a pap smear.
Occasionally, a complete psychological profile may be taken using a series of questions; or simple memory, counting and object recognition tests.
Finally, some blood samples will be taken to examine bodily functions.
Sometimes, uncomfortable examinations are necessary. Examination of the rectum - the patient lies on their left side, with the knees bent up to the abdomen. A small hollow metal tube (called a proctoscope) is passed gently into the rectum. This allows the lining to be inspected for haemorrhoids or piles.
The doctor will then insert a gloved index finger into the rectum to feel for ulcers or growths in the lower part of the bowel. Sometimes an instrument called a sigmoidoscope is used to examine higher parts of the bowel.
