Treatments For Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast cells and progresses in stages. It is one of the most common cancers among women, but it can also affect men.
The treatment for breast cancer depends on many factors, such as the stage and type of the cancer and the characteristics of the tumor. The treatment also depends on the patient's age, health, and preferences.
Here are some of the treatments for breast cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary method of therapy for breast cancer. It involves removing the tumor and some of the surrounding healthy tissue or sometimes the entire breast.
Surgery may also include removing some or all of the lymph nodes under the arm to check if the cancer has spread. Breast reconstruction surgery may be done after a mastectomy to restore the shape and appearance of the breast.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. It may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to prevent the recurrence or spread of the cancer. Chemotherapy may cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, infection, and low blood cell counts.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses rays or particles that are high-energy to destroy cancer cells or damage their DNA. The therapy may be offered following the surgery to kill any leftover cancer cells in the breast or nearby areas, or radiation may be administered before surgical procedures to shrink the tumors. Radiation therapy may cause side effects such as skin changes, swelling, pain, fatigue, and lymphedema.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is a treatment that blocks or lowers the amount of hormones that stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Hormone therapy may be given after surgery or other treatments to reduce the risk of cancer recurring or spreading. It might also be given before surgery to shrink the tumor. The use of hormone therapy may cause side effects such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, weight gain, and bone loss.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory. These substances boost or restore the immune system's ability to fight cancer. It may be given to patients with certain types of breast cancer that have specific genetic mutations or markers that make them more likely to respond to this treatment. Immunotherapy may cause side effects such as rash, itching, fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and inflammation.
For more information about breast cancer treatments, schedule a consultation with a doctor in your local area.
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