Cancer Treatment
Treatment varies with the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location.
If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the most common method of treatment is surgery to cure cancer. This is often the case with skin cancers, like lung cancer, breast and colon.
If the tumor has spread only to regional lymph nodes, sometimes these can also be removed.
If all the cancer can not be completely removed by surgery, treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy or both. Some cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Lymphoma (lymph cancer) is rarely treated with surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used most often to treat this type of cancer.
Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there are many ways to maintain strength.
If you are receiving radiation treatment, know that:
Radiation treatment is painless.
Treatment is usually scheduled every weekday.
You should allow 30 minutes for each treatment session, although the treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes.
You should get plenty of rest and eat a balanced diet during the course of radiotherapy.
The skin in the treated area may become sensitive and easily irritated.
Side effects of radiation treatment are usually temporary and vary depending on the area of ??the body being treated.
If you are having chemotherapy, you should eat well. Chemotherapy causes your immune system to weaken, so you should avoid people with colds or flu. You should also get plenty of rest and not think that you have to perform all tasks at once.
It may be helpful to express the feelings with family, friends or a support group. Work with health care providers throughout the treatment. The fact itself can help make you feel more in control.
The diagnosis and treatment of cancer often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect a person’s entire life. There are many resources for cancer patients.
prognosis
The prognosis depends on the type of cancer. Even among people with a type of cancer, the outcome varies depending on tumor stage at diagnosis.
Some cancers can be cured. Other cancers that are curable can still be a good treatment and some patients may live for many years with their disease. Other tumors are quickly life-threatening.
Complications:
One complication is that the cancer can spread. Other complications vary with the type and stage of tumor.