What Is Involved in Cancer Treatment?

Cancer treatment involves a range of medical interventions to manage or eliminate cancerous cells within the body. This process begins with a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine the characteristics of the cancer, including its type, location, and extent. This involves staging through imaging studies and pathology reviews of tissue samples. Common treatment modalities include surgery, systemic therapy (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy), and radiation therapy, often used in combination. Coordinated care, which includes supportive services to manage symptoms and side effects, is a key component of cancer treatment plans.

Treating Breast Cancer

The primary goal of a cancer treatment is to eliminate cancer, prevent the spread of the disease, and reduce recurrence. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may aim for a complete cure, allowing patients to remain cancer-free. In cases where a cure is not possible, the focus shifts to controlling the disease, extending life, and improving quality of life. Quality of life refers to an individual’s overall well-being. This encompasses physical health, emotional stability, social connections, and the ability to engage in meaningful activities.

For those navigating health challenges, like cancer, quality of life extends beyond treatment outcomes to include managing symptoms, maintaining independence, and addressing mental and emotional needs. Managing breast cancer requires a detailed evaluation and a collaborative approach to treatment planning. The specific path depends on numerous factors unique to each individual’s diagnosis.

Diagnostic Workup

The diagnostic process for breast cancer starts with imaging, like a mammogram or ultrasound, to identify any areas of concern. If an abnormality is found, a biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample for a pathologist to analyze. This analysis confirms the presence of cancer and determines its characteristics, including hormone receptor status and HER2 protein status. Staging, which may involve further imaging of other body parts, is then completed to understand if the cancer is localized or has spread.

Treatment Planning

Once the diagnosis and stage are established, a multidisciplinary team collaborates to create a treatment plan. Surgical options range from a lumpectomy, which removes only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue, to a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. Systemic therapies are chosen based on the cancer’s biological markers, and these treatments can be administered before or after surgery. Radiation therapy is often recommended after a lumpectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence, but patient priorities and their overall health are central to finalizing treatment strategies.

Treating Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers affect organs within the digestive system, and their management involves a systematic evaluation of symptoms and diagnostic findings. Some common symptoms of GI cancer may include:

Bowel Habit Changes
Abdominal Discomfort or Pain
Unexplained Weight Loss
Difficulty Swallowing
Blood in the Stool

Evaluation for a potential GI cancer often begins with procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy, which allow for direct visualization and biopsy of the digestive tract. Imaging studies help determine the extent of the disease, while pathology reports confirm the diagnosis and provide details about the tumor. Treatment planning incorporates surgery, systemic therapies, and sometimes radiation. The care team often includes specialists in surgery, medical oncology, and gastroenterology, along with nutritionists to support the patient’s health during treatment.

Treating Lung Cancer

The treatment of lung cancer is tailored to its specific type and stage, which are determined through a comprehensive diagnostic process. Initial detection often occurs through imaging studies, like a chest X-ray or CT scan. If a nodule or mass is identified, a biopsy tissue sample is necessary for confirmation.

Pathologists analyze the tissue to identify the cancer type. Further molecular profiling may be performed to check for specific genetic mutations that can be targeted with specialized drugs. Staging procedures are then carried out to assess the size and spread of the tumor.

A multidisciplinary team of specialists reviews all this information to recommend a course of action that may include:

Surgery
Radiation
Systemic Therapies
Comprehensive Combination of Treatments

Supportive care is also integrated to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Schedule a Cancer Treatment Consultation

An accurate diagnosis and staging are the foundation of an effective cancer treatment plan. If you’ve received a diagnosis or have been advised to seek an evaluation, schedule a consultation with a cancer specialist. Your treatment timeline and recommended options will be determined after a thorough professional assessment. Start your personalized care today.