Foresee, detect and treat breast cancer (II)
posted in Cancer |Explore the available treatments
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is advisable to get a second opinion and do more tests before starting treatment. Treatment options vary depending on the stage of cancer, in general, the larger the tumor, more advanced stage. Possible treatments include:
• Radiotherapy. This treatment uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells when you can not remove the tumor. The dose depends on tumor size and other factors. Side effects often include skin dryness, redness of the treatment area and tiredness.
• Chemotherapy. The patient received intravenous medication or pills to kill cancer cells. Side effects vary by drug, but usually include hair loss, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, among others.
• Hormone therapy. This therapy uses drugs (typically Tamoxifen) or surgery to remove the ovaries in order to prevent further additions to the cancerous tumor with hormones and causing damage. Side effects are similar to the symptoms of menopause.
• Lumpectomy (English lumpectomy) and mastectomy. The goal of these surgeries is to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue (lumpectomy) or removing the breast and nipple (mastectomy) and lymph nodes and chest muscles in serious cases. Many women’s breasts surgically reconstructed after mastectomy.
Most treatments consist of combinations of the above options. For example, many women receiving radiation after a mastectomy or chemotherapy after radiation. If you have breast cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor about all your options before you start your treatment.
Learn
You have at your disposal the resources of several agencies Government on this important issue:
• Interactive tutorials Find general information on breast cancer, mammograms, biopsies and chemotherapy
• Leverages the image bank for more information about the anatomy of the breast, your self and more.
• Read the latest news on studies for breast cancer vaccine
• Search publications on treatments, survival and clinical studies
• Communicate to the telephone to get answers to your questions
• Connect with support groups and find resources in your community
• Learn about breast cancer in men