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The three most common types of cancer treatment are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment is aimed at removing the cancer cells or destroying them with medicines or by other means.
Some cancers cannot be cured. Some people choose to focus on quality of life and opt not to have treatment. In these cases, they may rely on palliative and hospice care. Palliative care can help provide comfort and treat symptoms. It can begin as early as diagnosis. Hospice care begins nearer the end of life. That is typically when the person is not expected to survive for more than 6 months.
Surgery
Surgery is a way to physically remove the cancer. Surgery can be very successful in treating some kinds of cancer. But it isn’t an option in all cases. It may be possible to safely remove a tumor and any affected surrounding tissue if:
- The cancer is in the form of a malignant tumor (a tumor that spreads).
- The tumor is still in one place (localized).
Surgery may not be possible if:
- The cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
- The tumor cannot be removed without damaging vital organs, such as the liver or brain.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses radiation to damage cancer cells so that they can’t multiply. The radiation is in the form of special X-rays, gamma rays, or electrons. There is usually no pain during this kind of therapy. Depending on the area that is treated, side effects from radiation damage to normal tissues may occur. Your doctor can tell you what to expect. Radiotherapy is sometimes the only treatment needed. It can also be used with other therapies. A combination of surgery and radiotherapy may be used for tumors that grow in one place.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to attack the cancer cells. This treatment sometimes causes a lot of fear because the side effects can be severe. However, not all people experience severe side effects. The side effects of chemotherapy can often be treated with other medicines.
Chemotherapy is usually used when the cancer has spread to other areas in the body. It can also be used in combination with surgery and radiation. Sometimes the tumor is surgically removed. Then chemotherapy is used to make sure any remaining cancer cells are killed.
Other specialized treatments may be available. Your doctor may talk to you about these treatments if they are an option for you.
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