Types of Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments vary from one patient to another and from one type of cancer to another. However, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are the common treatments—with surgery being the oldest type. Other types of cancer treatments include hormone therapy and biological therapy. Some patients do well with one type, while others need more than one.
Surgery
About three out of five patients have surgery. While removing
cancer cells, the surgeon might also remove healthy cells to ensure that the tumor or mass is completely gone. Side effects of surgery are reflective of the patient's health, the type of cancer, and the size of the tumor, and more—as in the case of many types of cancer treatments. Pain and fatigue are common following surgery. Pain can be controlled with medication, and fatigue will taper off on its own. Sometimes, however, surgery cannot help a patient, due to the location of the cancer or for other reasons.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of one or more drugs to fight cancer. The medicines are usually administered intravenously, but can also be given in the form of a pill. This type of cancer treatment lasts from a few weeks to a few months, in most cases. Sometimes, a catheter is placed in the chest that accepts the drugs and spreads it. Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, hair loss, weight loss, diarrhea, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and more. The side effects depend on the types of drugs given, and the period of treatment involved. Patients undergoing chemotherapy are often given medication to control nausea and vomiting. When cancer treatments end, normal cells recover.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is also among the most common cancer treatments. High-energy waves are used to destroy
cancer cells. The waves make
tumors decrease in size and even disappear. It can be administered externally via a machine or internally through needs, catheters or wires that contain radioactive material. The treatment is pain-free, and the side effects (fatigue mainly) can be controlled. External radiation may cause skin irritation and redness around the treated area. Treatment may also cause a drop in white blood cells—therefore, patients need to be cautious. Caution and care is advised for all cancer treatments.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy treats cancer types that grow through hormones. It prevents cancer cells from accessing hormones. Treatment may include drugs that stop specific hormone production or function or surgery for the removal of hormone-producing organs. Like other types of cancer treatments, hormone therapy comes with side effects like fatigue, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, blood clots, bone loss, water retention, and more. Some side effects are temporary, while others may be permanent.
Biological Therapy
Biological therapy makes use of the immune system to fight cancer. This is done indirectly or directly. It may involve monoclonal antibodies and interleukin-2. Like other types of cancer treatments, side effects vary but may include chills, muscle pain, fatigue, appetite loss, diarrhea nausea, and vomiting. Further, patients undergoing biological therapy may bleed, swell, or bruise quickly. Problems subside when cancer treatment ends.
