How is Cancer Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of cancer typically involves a combination of
imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans, and laboratory tests including blood tests and
biopsies. During a biopsy, a sample of tissue is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
What is the Role of Surgery in Cancer Treatment?
Surgery can be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent cancer. It is often the primary treatment for many types of cancer, especially if the cancer has not spread. Surgeons aim to remove the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are eliminated. In some cases,
minimally invasive surgery techniques such as laparoscopic surgery are used.
What is Chemotherapy and How Does it Work?
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells by stopping their ability to grow and divide. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously and can affect the whole body. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments and can be useful for cancers that have spread to different parts of the body.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cancer cells. It can be delivered externally using a machine outside the body or internally through radioactive substances placed near the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can target specific areas, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy involves drugs or other substances that specifically target and attack cancer cells without harming normal cells. These therapies work by interfering with specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.
How Does Immunotherapy Help in Treating Cancer?
Immunotherapy enhances the body's natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function. Types of immunotherapy include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.
What is the Importance of Follow-Up Care?
Follow-up care is crucial for monitoring a patient’s recovery, managing any side effects of treatment, and detecting any signs of recurrence. Regular follow-up appointments may include physical exams,
imaging tests, and blood tests. Survivorship care plans are often developed to address the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment.
How to Manage the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment?
Managing side effects is an important part of cancer care. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, pain, and hair loss. Strategies to manage these side effects include medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage. It is important for patients to communicate with their healthcare team to effectively manage side effects.
