Surgery is the most common treatment for cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancer or as much of the cancer as possible. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin with a scalpel or other sharp instrument and removes as much of the tumor as possible. They can also remove lymph nodes and other tissues for analysis.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is one of the most common types of cancer treatment and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Radiotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that attacks cancer cells with high-energy particles (proton or particle therapy) or waves (x-rays). It can be used to reduce the size of tumors before surgery or treatment, or to kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.
Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that depends on the body's ability to fight infections (immune system). It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Hormone therapy is a type of treatment that uses hormones to stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Laser therapy is a type of treatment that uses lasers to destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Other treatments may be given to reduce the side effects of other treatments and make you more comfortable. Combining different types of treatments may work better than individual therapies alone.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about all your treatment options and possible side effects. Ask your doctor questions about your diagnosis and treatment, such as what type of cancer you have, what stage it is in, what treatments are available, what side effects you may experience, and how long it will take for you to recover. Knowing all this information will help you make an informed decision about your care.
