Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of women every year. Luckily, there are various breast cancer treatment an oncologist can recommend. Breast cancer treatments depend on the stage and severity of the cancer. This article will discuss each treatment an oncologist may suggest as part of your treatment plan.
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes only the tumor and a small amount of tissue from the breast. This procedure is also known as breast-conserving surgery. Oncologists typically recommend a lumpectomy for those with small tumors that have not spread to other parts of the breast or body.
During the lumpectomy, the oncologist will make a small incision in the breast and remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. The oncologist will place the patient under general anesthesia, usually taking only an hour to perform the procedure. After the surgery, patients may experience some pain and discomfort, but this is managed with a pain prescription provided by the oncologist. Our team will also fit patients with a special medical bra or an adhesive bandage to support the breast during healing.
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes breast tissue. Oncologists recommend this surgery for those with larger tumors or cancer that has spread to other parts of the breast or body. There are several types of mastectomies, including:
During this breast cancer treatment, the oncologist will make an incision in the breast and remove the tissue. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and will take several hours to complete, unlike a lumpectomy. After the surgery, patients may experience pain and discomfort for weeks to a few months; prescription medication can alleviate these symptoms. The oncologist may also fit them with a special medical bra or adhesive to be worn during the healing process.
Chemotherapy is a type of breast cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. In some cases, it is possible for an oncologist to provide chemotherapy orally or intravenously, typically administered in cycles. Oncologists often use chemotherapy in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, to help shrink tumors and prevent the spread of cancer.
Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. However, it can also affect healthy cells, which can cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. The side effects of chemotherapy can vary depending on the individual and the type of chemotherapy drugs used.
Oncologists may use hormonal therapy for various reasons. However, it is extremely effective as a breast cancer treatment. It blocks the hormones that fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer. Oncologists typically use hormonal therapy in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, which means the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen and progesterone.
Patients can receive hormonal therapy via injection or orally, usually over several years. The side effects of this breast cancer treatment can include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and joint pain. Of course, they may vary depending on how each patient’s body reacts to the drugs.
Biological therapy, also known as immunotherapy or targeted therapy, is a type of breast cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Like hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, oncologists can administer biological therapy drugs orally or intravenously. It targets specific proteins or cells that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer.
Side effects of biological therapy can vary depending on the individual and the type of drugs the oncologist uses. However, common side effects include fatigue, fever, and chills.
Radiation therapy is a breast cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Oncologists can administer radiation therapy externally or internally in daily sessions over several weeks. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. The side effects of radiation therapy can include skin irritation, fatigue, and nausea.
Breast cancer is a serious disease that requires prompt and effective treatment. The six breast cancer treatments above can help fight moderate or aggressive cases of the disease. Each treatment has its own benefits and side effects, so it is important to schedule a consultation with an oncologist to discuss which treatment or if a combination of treatments will be most effective for you.
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