Cancer has several ways in which it can be treated. This, however, depends on several factors. For a doctor to prescribe a certain mode of treatment, there is the consideration of the type of cancer, location, and how advanced the cancer is. It is important to know that the mode of treatment prescribed will largely depend on the nature of the cancer you have.
Here are some of the treatments for cancer that every patient ought to know about;
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy one of the type of cancer treatments whereby drugs are induced in order to combat and prevent further cancerous growth. Chemo is administered according to the nature of cancer. Chemo drugs are in variety, and the oncologist will know which drugs to use for what cancer stage and form. The drugs work in such a way that they inhibit further multiplication of cancerous cells.
Stem Cell Transplant
This is a procedure where stem cells are introduced into a cancer patient’s body in order to help in blood formation. The blood-forming cells may be destroyed through radiation hence the need for new stem cells. Stem cells are of three types;
- Syngenic- These come from a twin
- Autologous- Are stem cells from the individual body.
- Allogenic- stem cells donated from other people.
The procedure is mostly done in leukemia patients and Lymphoma. It’s advisable to seek medical experts to help whether this is the best treatment plan for you.
Radiation
Radiation is mostly used side by side with other treatment forms in order to ensure efficiency. Radiation is given in the form of x-rays that destroy the cancer cells. The rays inhibit cell growth; hence the cells size to survive.
Immunotherapy
This is a type of treatment that is induced in the body and helps your immune system fight the cancerous cells. Cancer cells maneuver their way away from the body’s immune system, making it unable to handle the cancer cells on its own. With Immunotherapy, which boosts the immune system, there is a better chance of the body fighting off the cancerous cells. One type of Immunotherapy is known as a monoclonal antibody.
They help the immune system identify and get rid of cancerous cells. However, this treatment is only used on certain types of cancer. An Oncologist, upon examination, will determine the best fit medical procedure to tackle cancer. On the bright side, research is undergoing to determine whether Immunotherapy may be used in tackling other forms of cancer.
Surgery
This mode of cancer treatment is mostly used hand in hand with other forms of treatment. It involves the removal of the infected organ, and this majorly depends on the advancement of cancer, size, and location. Some organs can be removed if infected. However, vital organs can not be removed via surgery.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy involves the introduction of new genes into the body. These new genes will work normally and enable cells to function well. This mode of treatment is in the research stages, and doctors around the world are working around the clock to determine whether this treatment can be used toil cancer cells.
It is best to consult an oncologist on the modes of treatment best suited for you. There is always hope, and cancer can be removed when detected early. Many researchers are working day and night to discover new ways to treat cancer and advance the existing ones. Most of the above treatments are aimed at reducing cancer cell growth, control and cure them. The treatments will always depend on how far along cancer has grown, the location or organ on which cancer has grown, and several other factors.