Hyperthermia: How it Treats Cancer, Uses High Temperatures, and More
Hyperthermia is a medical treatment that uses high temperatures to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It's often used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
How does hyperthermia work?
Hyperthermia works by damaging cancer cells and preventing them from dividing and spreading. When cancer cells are exposed to high temperatures, they can't repair themselves properly, and they eventually die. Hyperthermia can also damage the blood vessels that supply cancer tumors with nutrients, which can lead to tumor shrinkage.
What are the different types of hyperthermia?
There are two main types of hyperthermia: regional hyperthermia and whole-body hyperthermia.
* Regional hyperthermia targets a specific area of the body, such as a tumor or a limb. This can be done using a variety of methods, including:
* Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses radio waves to heat cancer cells.
* Microwave ablation (MWA) uses microwaves to heat cancer cells.
* Laser ablation uses lasers to heat cancer cells.
* Cryoablation uses freezing temperatures to kill cancer cells.
* Whole-body hyperthermia heats the entire body to a temperature of around 104°F (40°C). This can be done using a variety of methods, including:
* Hot water baths
* Saunas
* Heating pads
* Electric blankets
What are the benefits of hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia has several benefits over other cancer treatments, including:
* It's a relatively painless procedure.
* It doesn't damage healthy cells, as radiation therapy and chemotherapy can.
* It can be used to treat tumors that are resistant to other treatments.
* It can be used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, to improve their effectiveness.
What are the risks of hyperthermia?
The risks of hyperthermia are relatively minor and include:
* Skin burns
* Blisters
* Swelling
* Pain
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Fatigue
Who is a candidate for hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia may be an option for patients with a variety of types of cancer, including:
* Breast cancer
* Lung cancer
* Liver cancer
* Kidney cancer
* Pancreatic cancer
* Brain cancer
How do I prepare for hyperthermia?
Before your hyperthermia treatment, your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare. These instructions may include:
* Fasting for several hours before your treatment
* Avoiding caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment
* Taking a shower or bath before your treatment
* Wearing loose, comfortable clothing
What happens during hyperthermia treatment?
During your hyperthermia treatment, you will be monitored by a medical team. The treatment may last for a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of hyperthermia you are receiving.
What happens after hyperthermia treatment?
After your hyperthermia treatment, you may experience some discomfort, such as pain, swelling, or nausea. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve these symptoms.
How effective is hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia can be an effective treatment for cancer. The success of hyperthermia depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the individual patient's response to treatment.
Is hyperthermia covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies cover hyperthermia treatment. However, you should check with your insurance company to be sure.
What is the cost of hyperthermia?
The cost of hyperthermia treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment and the facility where you receive treatment. The average cost of hyperthermia treatment is between $1,000 and $5,000.
Where can I find more information about hyperthermia?
You can find more information about hyperthermia from the following sources:
* The American Cancer Society
* The National Cancer Institute
* The Hyperthermia Society of North America