Most Common Treatment for Cancer Cells

Broadly defined, cancer is the accelerated growth of abnormal cells that can take over other cells or, frequently, develop into tumors. Some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation is the most common treatment for cancer cells.

Localized vs. Metastasized

• Cancer can be localized to a tumor in one spot or it can metastasize (spread out) to other areas of the body. Treatments for localized tumors lean toward surgical and radiation interventions, while metastasized cancers are typically treated with chemotherapy.

Surgery

• Surgical treatment for cancer is primarily performed to remove a tumor completely. Barring complete removal, due to proximity to other organs, surgery may be used to reduce overall tumor size.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Chemotherapy is a treatment in which drugs are administered to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Radiation aims to destroy the ability of the cells to reproduce by damaging them with electrons, gamma rays or X-rays.

Side Effects

• Side effects for cancer surgery include pain, scarring and possible infections, while chemotherapy side effects can include intense nausea, loss of hair, sores in the mouth and vomiting. Radiation treatments can cause inflammation, fatigue, infertility and cognitive problems (depending on area of treatment).

Statistics

• The American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2009, there will be approximately 1.5 million new cases of cancer.