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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a chemical treatment to kill cancerous cells that divide and reproduce themselves. Chemotherapy is often used along with surgery, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. Combination chemotherapy involves the use of several drugs together. Unfortunately chemotherapy leads to unpleasant side effects. In this process, healthy cells (mouth, digestive system, skin, hair and bone marrow) are often affected but they try and repair the damage done to them. Chemotherapy is given to destroy cancerous cells that remain after surgery or radiation. Palliative chemotherapy is given to control a cancer. Chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles - a session of chemotherapy followed by a rest period. Chemotherapy is adminstered intraveneously, intramuscularly or orally. Chemotherapy is administered for a period of time based on the type and extent of cancer.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer manifests in different ways - endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Most instances of uterine cancer occur in the endometrial tissue lining the uterus. While instances of uterine cancer are on the rise, they are curable if detected early. Uterine cancer typically affects a woman after menopause. The noticeable symptoms of uterus cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, But not all abnormal bleeding is related to cancer. A doctor can examine the patient and diagnose the condition. Pelvic pain and change in bowel routine are noticed when the cancer of the uterus is at an advanced stage. Certain conditions predispose some women to developing uterine cancer. Obesity is a major factor that increases a woman's risk of developing this disease. Excessive fat cells lead to increased production of estrogen that builds up in the uterine lining. Use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) can greatly increase a woman's riks of developing cancer of the uterus. Women who have few or no children and have had a delayed menopause are also at greater risk. Birth control pills containing only estrogen puts a woman at increased risk of uterine cancer. Heredity also plays a role in whether a woman is susceptible to uterine cancer.

A doctor can examine the medical history and conduct a physical examination to check the uterus, vagina, ovaries and rectum. A pap smear is recommended annually for women over the age of 21, especially for those who have been sexually active. A few cells from the cervix and upper vagina are scraped and taken for testing. This test aids in detecting any malignant and pre-malignant changes in the cervix. Uterine cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy or hormones. Often, some of these treatment options are used in combination. Surgery involves removal of uterus and cervix. Chemotherapy involves use of drugs to treat cancer while radiation uses high-intensity rays to kill cancer cells. But women undergoing treatment may experience side effects such as diarrhea, vaginal burning sensation, pain during intercourse, loss of appetite and nausea. Chemotherapy may lead to hair loss, vomiting and drop in blood count.

Testicular Cancer

Though the causes for Testicular cancer are unknown, it is mostly noticed in young males between ages 15 and 34. Men who have had a history of late descended or undescended testicles are more prone to this form of cancer. Testicular cancer affects sperm-producing cells. Cancer of the testicles manifests as a hard lump or swelling in the testicle. Most often it does not cause any discomfort.

To diagnose testicular cancer, a Urologic consultation is the first step. He will need to peruse the medical history of the patient coupled with a physical examination. Ultrasound of the testicle and Special blood tests (e.g. alpha-fetoprotein, beta-sub-unit HCG) will need to be done to aid the diagnostic process. Surgical exploration in the form of Biopsy (removal) of the testicle may be necessary in some cases.

To determine the treatment of testicular cancer, the extent of spread of the disease must be evaluated. In cases of localized testicle cancer, there is all possibility of a cure. In cases where the disease has spread, surgical removal of the cancerous testicle is required. Radiation therapy and Chemotherapyare used in the treatment of testicular cancer. Combining surgery along with chemotherapy and radiation can go a long way in controlling and curing the disease.

Do not ignore any suspicious lump or mass in the testicles. Get it examined by a Urologist.