Visiting an oncologist can be a scary prospect. This means you may have cancer or have already received a diagnosis. Though some forms of this disease are life-threatening, others can have a positive outlook. Regardless of the form you have or the stage it is in, your doctor will strive to develop the right treatment plan. There are different approaches to help you recover your health.
Within a person’s body, cells divide continuously. Normally, new cells replace old ones that have died. However, when cells start to divide uncontrollably, tumors can form. These masses of tissue serve no purpose in the body and can become cancerous. The tumors themselves can be painful. When they are malignant, the cancer cells can spread quickly, threatening other tissues and organs in the body.
Every patient will have different needs. The oncologist will consider various factors, including the severity of the disease, where the tumor is located and how a treatment will affect the person. Often, an operation is the first line of defense. The doctor will attempt to remove the malignant tumor and cancer cells surgically. The process may not always effectively remove all the cancer, but the doctor will try to remove as much as possible.
This method uses high-powered energy beams to kill the cancer cells. This usually occurs in the form of X-rays or protons. Radiation therapy can take place outside or inside the body. The oncologist may use multiple rounds of this treatment to eliminate the cells. The doctor can use radiation during the early stages of the disease. In other cases, the treatment can be useful after cancer cells have spread.
The oncologist may also use drugs to kill the cancer cells. This commonly comes in the form of chemotherapy. It may be the treatment of choice for a wide range of cancers. Most patients will undergo multiple rounds of chemotherapy, spaced a few weeks to several weeks apart.
This can be a positive way to kill malignant tumors and cancer cells. However, chemotherapy also has some concerning side effects. Patients can become extremely ill following treatment sessions. The oncologist will consider other health factors when deciding whether to use chemotherapy.
Often, the oncologist will recommend a multifaceted approach to treat cancer. Surgery is frequently the first choice. If cancer cells remain after this process, radiation and chemotherapy may follow. Some patients may undergo treatment and see improvement but need one or all of these treatments several months or even years later. Targeted drug therapy and hormone therapy are also possible approaches to removing cancer from the patient’s body.
Though you may be shocked at getting a cancer diagnosis, you do not need to panic. On the good side, there are different treatment options you can consider. In many situations, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are effective ways of killing cancer cells. Your oncologist will review what treatment types make the most sense for you. Schedule an appointment now so you can start the road to health and recovery.
Get more information about Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center in Marlton at https://lindenbergcancer.com.
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