Individuals with cancer are naturally desperate to find the best treatment possible. The available options for cancer therapy have their own risks and benefits.
Cancer is one of the most heartbreaking conditions in existence. For cancer patients and their loved ones, knowing that certain cells in the body are growing out of control can be frightening and sad. It is not surprising that research to find new cancer treatments is underway with overwhelming support. Standard treatments for cancer do exist, and the choice of therapy depends greatly on the type of cancer and the extent of growth.
Surgery
Surgical removal of a tumor is effective if it is relatively localized. Nearby lymph nodes and organs can also be removed if the cancer has spread that far. However, there is always the possibility that not all cancer cells are removed this way. To minimize the chance for recurrence, the surgeon removes not only the tumor but also a wide margin of normal tissue, but if removing all of the tumor is not feasible, the surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible. In any event, follow-up to monitor for cancer recurrence is important.
Aside from removal of skin cancer, surgery to treat cancer is usually a major procedure with risks. The same is true for reconstructive plastic surgery, if one chooses to correct defects in function and appearance resulting from the cancer surgery.
Radiation
Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells in the form of external beams or implanted radioactive material (brachytherapy). Because normal tissues can also be affected by radiation, a wide variety of side effects can occur, depending on which normal tissues are damaged and what functions are impaired. Radiation can also increase the risk for other cancers.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a therapeutic option for cancers that are sensitive to chemotherapy, are difficult to remove surgically, or have spread to the rest of the body (metastases). The treatment typically involves medications that kill cells (cytotoxic agents), both cancerous and normal. Depending on the type of cancer, chemotherapy may also take advantage of hormones (e.g., breast cancer) and antibody treatment (e.g., lymphoma).
With regards to side effects, cytotoxic chemotherapy usually affects cells that grow and die rapidly, including hair follicles, intestinal cells, and bone marrow cells. This is why cancer patients may appear bald and experience gastrointestinal symptoms. They may also be prone to infections, bleeding, and anemia because of reduced counts in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Final Words
This introductory overview of cancer treatments provides a basic understanding for individuals newly diagnosed with cancer. A cancer physician or oncologist takes many factors into account when deciding on the best treatment. Maintaining a trusting doctor-patient relationship during this difficult time helps one accept what is to come.
