There are many ways now to treat breast cancer. There is different breast cancer treatment available. However, there are two main goals in the treatment of cancer patients. Firstly, get rid of cancer cells in the body. Secondly, to prevent the cancer cells from coming back and spread in different organs.
Initial Process
Expert doctors do the treatment, and decide what is best for you. There is important information to know before you can start the treatment. These are the stage of breast cancer, the size of the tumor, and the speed of cancer cells. In addition, receptors, estrogen, progesterone, or other features are some. Before the treatment, patients need to do a breast exam to check the breast.
1. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is an effective breast cancer treatment. It uses a high-energy beam to kill cancer cells. Importantly, an expert doctor in cancer usually does it. It can kill all cancer cells in the breast after surgery. There are two kinds of radiation therapy.
Types:
First is the external beam, a common cancer-killing ray using a large machine. It is like an X-ray machine, but it only targets the cancerous area. One needs many sessions last for five days a week for six weeks. However, some need a higher dosage but in a shorter period.
Second is the internal radiation. In this treatment, the doctor uses a radioactive liquid using needle wires. They will use the liquid in the area where cancer is located. Hence, the tissue near the tumor site will kill all cancer cells. However, side effects include sunburn, irritation, breast heaviness, discoloration, redness, and fatigue.
2. Surgery
Surgery need to remove the whole breast. It is either one breast or both breasts. The surgery will remove the tumor and the breast. It is done by a an exeprt doctor in cancer treatment. In addition, it needs breast exam before the surgery. Breast cancer surgery has two types. First is the lumpectomy, which removes the tumor and other cancer-free healthy tissues.
Second is the mastectomy, that removes the whole breast of the patient. There are different types of Mastectomies. First, is the procedure that can save your breast skin. Second, is a procedure that can save your breast nipple.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common breast cancer treatment. It is the best treatment to kill cancer cells. It is a drug treatment using a strong chemical to kill cancer cells in the body. Cancer cells grow and spread quickly. Therefore, chemotherapy is an important part of the treatment process. The type of chemotherapy drug for each patient is different. Doctors suggest depending on the stage of cancer and health. Also, previous cancer treatments and personal preferences are important.
Chemotherapy can cure cancer without other treatments. It is the best treatment for patients with cancer. Furthermore, it is possible to use it with other treatments to kill all cancer cells. The best example of it is chemotherapy after surgery. Most doctors suggest chemotherapy after surgery to remove all cancer cells. Expect several side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, mouth sores, and constipation. However, chemotherapy may also give long-lasting side effects. For example, damage to the lung, heart problems, infertility, and kidney problem.
