What is Cancer Surgery?
Cancer surgery involves the
removal of cancerous tissues from the body. It is one of the most common treatments and can be used for diagnosis, treatment, or even prevention of cancer. The goal is often to remove the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are eliminated.
Types of Cancer Surgery
Curative Surgery: Aimed at removing the entire tumor when it is localized.
Preventive Surgery: Used to remove tissue that does not yet contain cancer cells but is likely to develop into a malignant tumor.
Diagnostic Surgery: Also known as a biopsy, involves removing a small piece of tissue for examination.
Staging Surgery: Performed to determine the extent and stage of the cancer.
Palliative Surgery: Used to relieve discomfort or other complications caused by cancer.
Reconstructive Surgery: Focuses on restoring appearance or function following cancer treatment.
Risks and Benefits of Cancer Surgery
While surgery can be an effective treatment, it comes with
risks such as infection, pain, and complications from anesthesia. However, the benefits often outweigh these risks, especially if surgery can completely remove the cancer or significantly improve quality of life.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery or radiation.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?
Most chemotherapy drugs target
cells that divide rapidly, a characteristic of cancer cells. However, some normal cells also divide quickly, which is why chemotherapy can cause side effects. The drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, or directly into a specific area of the body.
Types of Chemotherapy Drugs
Alkylating Agents: Work by damaging DNA and preventing cancer cells from reproducing.
Antimetabolites: Interfere with DNA and RNA growth by substituting for the normal building blocks of RNA and DNA.
Anti-Tumor Antibiotics: Alter the DNA inside cancer cells to keep them from growing and multiplying.
Plant Alkaloids: Block cell division by preventing microtubule function.
Topoisomerase Inhibitors: Interfere with enzymes called topoisomerases, which help separate the strands of DNA so they can be copied.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting,
hair loss, and increased risk of infection. These occur because chemotherapy affects normal, healthy cells that also divide rapidly. Managing these side effects is an important aspect of cancer care.
Combining Surgery and Chemotherapy
In certain cases, chemotherapy is administered before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink a tumor, making it easier to remove. Alternatively, chemotherapy can be given after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.Advancements in Cancer Treatment
Recent advancements in cancer treatment have led to more
targeted therapies and personalized medicine approaches. These include drugs that specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, as well as immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Conclusion
Cancer treatment, through surgery and chemotherapy, has significantly progressed, offering hope and extended survival for many patients. Understanding the types, risks, and benefits of each treatment option is crucial for making informed decisions in collaboration with healthcare providers.
