Some people think that regular comprehensive medical checkups are a waste of money.
However, if we think more carefully, a comprehensive checkup may ring an early alarm bell,
helping you take the necessary steps to prevent or detect any potential diseases early.
What is a comprehensive medical checkup?:
- A comprehensive medical checkup is a diagnostic examination of the entire body's systems, including the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and all the bones of the body.
- The aim is to assess health status, detect any warning signs or symptoms, or abnormalities in the body, and quickly treat the symptoms of fatal diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases, and others.
What is the importance of a comprehensive medical checkup?:
Everyone should undergo a comprehensive medical checkup at least once a year to assess their health status, identify unhealthy daily habits that a person may unknowingly practice, and encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
A comprehensive checkup should also be a top priority in cases of:
● A pre-existing medical history.
● A family history of the disease.
● An unhealthy lifestyle.
The most important tests included in a comprehensive medical examination:
1. Laboratory Tests:
There are a number of laboratory tests necessary to diagnose a health condition and detect any hormonal imbalances early, including:
● Complete blood count (CBC).
● Urine and stool tests.
● Triglyceride and cholesterol tests.
● Kidney and liver function tests.
● Immunological tests.
● Blood sugar tests.
● Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH).
● Tests to measure mineral levels in the body.
In addition to tests for men over the age of 50, such as:
● CEA (gastrointestinal tumor screening)
● CA 19-9 (pancreatic cancer screening)
● PSA Total & Free (prostate cancer antigen screening)
In addition to tests for women over the age of 50, such as:
● CEA (gastrointestinal tumor screening)
● CA 19-9 (pancreatic cancer screening)
● CA-153 (breast cancer screening)
● CA-125 (ovarian tumor screening)
2. Clinical Examinations:
Clinical examinations are one of the most important comprehensive screening procedures, detecting any symptoms that the patient may have overlooked or any indications of disease. Clinical examinations include:
● Vital signs: blood pressure, weight, height, respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature.
● Cardiovascular evaluation.
● Digestive system examination.
● Ear, nose, and throat examination.
● Respiratory system evaluation.
● Bone examination and muscle and limb assessment to check for any weakness in the legs, feet, arms, or hands.
● Neurological examination, reflexes, and mental status.
● Skin and lymph node examination.
● Visual acuity measurement and eye examination.
● Abdominal and pelvic examination.
3. Imaging Tests:
To more clearly examine the organs and blood vessels and assess the medical condition,
some of the following scans are performed during the comprehensive examination:
● X-rays (ultrasound).
● CT scan.
● MRI.
● ECG.
● Diagnostic endoscopy in some medical conditions.
Comprehensive Examination for Men:
In addition to all the above tests, doctors advise men over the age of puberty to undergo the following tests periodically:
● Penile examination, to check for any infection or abnormalities.
● Testicular examination, to detect pain or lumps in the testicles.
● Prostate examination: It is recommended for men over the age of 40 if there is a family history of prostate cancer, but it is generally recommended for men over the age of 50.
Comprehensive Examination for Women:
In addition to the above tests, the following tests are performed for women to ensure complete reassurance.
● Clinical breast examination.
● Mammogram.
● Pelvic examination.
● Cervical cancer screening.
All of the above tests help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle, avoid potential diseases, and maintain a stable health condition.
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