Cancer is usually treated by means of chemotherapy sessions, however it can vary according to the characteristics of the tumor and the general condition of the patient. Thus, the oncologist can indicate other types of treatment, such as radiotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, for example.
It is possible to cure cancer when the disease is diagnosed in its early stages and treatment begins shortly thereafter. Thus, it is possible to avoid metastasis and improve the person's quality of life.
Can cancer be cured?
Cancer can be cured as long as it is discovered early and the treatment begins promptly, so it is essential to go to the doctor when symptoms appear such as a wound that does not heal, pain that does not improve with rest or weight loss without an apparent cause. Find out what are the main symptoms of cancer.
Some types of cancer are easier to cure than others and who can indicate what the chances of a cancer cure are the oncologist who is monitoring the case. Some factors that interfere with the treatment and cure of cancer are the type, size, location and staging of the tumor, as well as the person's age and general health.
Lung and pancreatic cancer are known to be difficult to cure but any cancer with advanced and metastatic conditions is more difficult to cure than cancer that was discovered in its early stages.
How to treat cancer
The treatments available for the treatment of cancer are:
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments performed against cancer and consists of the use of specific drugs against the tumor. These can be taken in the form of capsules or tablets or injected directly into a vein in the arm, close to the neck or in the head, for example.
Usually chemotherapy is done in cycles of treatment and the person needs to be hospitalized for a few days or weeks. These remedies have strong side effects and can cause discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and hair loss. Learn how to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy.
2. Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is also a type of treatment for cancer and consists of applying radiation, similar to that used on X-rays, directly at the tumor site. This type of treatment aims to decrease the size of the tumor and the rate of proliferation of malignant cells, preventing the growth of the tumor.
Radiotherapy is usually performed as a way to complement treatment with chemotherapy or after surgery to remove the tumor, acting directly on the malignant cells that are possibly still present in the body. Understand how radiotherapy is done.
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that consists of using drugs that strengthen and stimulate the immune system, making the body itself able to recognize the malignant cells for antibodies to fight. This treatment is also used against diseases other than cancer.
Usually, the doctor recommends immunotherapy when the patient has not responded to treatment. See how Immunotherapy works.
4. Surgery to remove the tumor
Surgery can also be used to treat cancer, being performed to remove the tumor entirely or only a part of it. However, this is not always possible because it depends on the location of the tumor, the blood supply it receives and the ease of reaching it. When the tumor is on the skin, as in melanoma for example, it is easier to remove it than when it is in the brain because there is a risk of death during surgery or of complications such as blindness or paralysis.
Some types of cancer are treated with only one type of treatment, but others need the combination of several treatments and the time of treatment is very variable, depending on the type of cancer and its stage. In most cases, cancer treatment is to cure the disease, but it can also be used to reduce symptoms, bringing greater comfort for as long as possible.
5. Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone marrow transplantation is a type of treatment usually recommended in the case of cancer involving the blood system, such as leukemias, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, for example.
The bone marrow is responsible for the production of blood cells, which are normally circulating in low quantities or in their immature form in leukemia. Thus, bone marrow transplantation aims to restore the production and maturation of blood cells, fighting cancer and improving the person's quality of life.
Natural cancer treatments
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is important during cancer treatment because the body has the necessary nutrients to fight the disease more quickly. Some foods like soursop and aloe vera are very rich in vitamins that help fight the tumor, but their consumption does not exclude the need for the treatment indicated by the doctor. Check out some home remedies that prevent cancer.
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