The Basics of Cancer Treatment
The goal of treatment for cancer is to eliminate the cancer or at least to slow its progression. Different forms of treatment are used to fight different types of cancer. There are several new treatment options being developed all the time. These treatments may involve ‘designer drugs’ that target cancer cells. These drugs may work by blocking the blood supply needed for the growth of tumors or by correcting genetic defects that lead to cancer. Some new treatment options also include aiding the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Many patients do not experience any symptoms of cancer until after cancer treatment.
The four stages of cancer are: stage I, stage II, and stage III. Stage IV is considered the most advanced stage and is considered metastatic. Stage zero is the earliest stage of cancer and describes tumors that have not spread beyond the area where they started. Stage zero cancers are usually treatable, and most healthcare providers consider them pre-cancerous. Cancer can affect the skin, bone marrow, organs, glands, soft tissue, and even the brain.
The genes that control cancer cells contain a genetic code that instructs the cells to divide and die. Some cancer cells use different kinds of nutrients and make their energy differently from normal cells. These differences enable the cancer cells to grow quickly. In addition, the abnormal behaviors of cancer cells are inherited. These genetic changes may increase the risk of cancer in future generations. In order to reduce the risk of cancer, patients should take precautions against harmful activities such as smoking or prolonged exposure to the sun.
If a diagnosis is suspected, a doctor will conduct an exam to determine whether there are any symptoms. A primary care physician will determine the best treatment team for the patient. A doctor may order a biopsy if a suspicious tumor is found. The biopsy sample is analyzed by a pathologist. Some samples are easy to obtain, but others may require a guided needle or surgery. The doctor can also prescribe treatment if the symptoms persist or worsen.
The process of cell growth is disrupted in cancer. The DNA that contains instructions on how cells grow is damaged, and mistakes in this DNA are what cause cancer. Normally, cells correct mistakes in the DNA, but in the case of cancer, the mistake leads to abnormal cells. These abnormal cells may produce extra cells and divide uncontrollably. These cells become tumors. These tumors can cause many problems, depending on where they develop. Cancer is a serious condition that can be life-threatening.
There are three basic types of cancers: hyperplasia and dysplasia. The higher the stage number, the worse the prognosis. The lower the staging number, the better the prognosis. The higher the stage, the more likely the patient will die from the cancer. A high-grade tumor may spread to distant organs. But the stage of cancer doesn’t necessarily mean the cancer has spread beyond the original organ.
The goal of treatment for cancer is to eliminate the cancer or at least to slow its progression. Different forms of treatment are used to fight different types of cancer. There are several new treatment options being developed all the time. These treatments may involve ‘designer drugs’ that target cancer cells. These drugs may work by blocking the blood supply needed for the growth of tumors or by correcting genetic defects that lead to cancer. Some new treatment options also include aiding the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Many patients do not experience any symptoms of cancer until after cancer treatment. The four stages of cancer are: stage I, stage II, and stage III. Stage IV is considered the most advanced stage and is considered metastatic. Stage zero is the earliest stage of cancer and describes tumors that have not spread beyond the area where they started. Stage zero cancers are usually treatable, and most healthcare providers consider them pre-cancerous. Cancer can affect the skin, bone marrow, organs, glands, soft tissue, and even the brain. The genes that control cancer cells contain a genetic code that instructs the cells to divide and die. Some cancer cells use different kinds of nutrients and make their energy differently from normal cells. These differences enable the cancer cells to grow quickly. In addition, the abnormal behaviors of cancer cells are inherited. These genetic changes may increase the risk of cancer in future generations. In order to reduce the risk of cancer, patients should take precautions against harmful activities such as smoking or prolonged exposure to the sun. If a diagnosis is suspected, a doctor will conduct an exam to determine whether there are any symptoms. A primary care physician will determine the best treatment team for the patient. A doctor may order a biopsy if a suspicious tumor is found. The biopsy sample is analyzed by a pathologist. Some samples are easy to obtain, but others may require a guided needle or surgery. The doctor can also prescribe treatment if the symptoms persist or worsen. The process of cell growth is disrupted in cancer. The DNA that contains instructions on how cells grow is damaged, and mistakes in this DNA are what cause cancer. Normally, cells correct mistakes in the DNA, but in the case of cancer, the mistake leads to abnormal cells. These abnormal cells may produce extra cells and divide uncontrollably. These cells become tumors. These tumors can cause many problems, depending on where they develop. Cancer is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. There are three basic types of cancers: hyperplasia and dysplasia. The higher the stage number, the worse the prognosis. The lower the staging number, the better the prognosis. The higher the stage, the more likely the patient will die from the cancer. A high-grade tumor may spread to distant organs. But the stage of cancer doesn’t necessarily mean the cancer has spread beyond the original organ.