Cancer Treatment

The goal of cancer treatment is "cure", "control", or "palliation". The major objective of cancer therapy is to treat the client effectively with appropriate therapy for sufficient duration so that cure results with minimal functional and structural impairment. Many kinds of cancer have the potential to go into permanent remission with an initial course of treatment or with treatment extending for several weeks, months or years.(e.g Basal Cell carcinoma of skin is usually cured by surgical removal of lesion or radiation therapy).

The goal of cure, control and palliation are achieved through the use of four treatment modalities for cancer, which includes;

• Surgery

Surgery is the oldest form of cancer treatment and for many years it was the only effective method of cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is also an integral part of rehabilitation and palliation of patients with cancer. The types of surgical procedures used in surgical management of cancer are as follows

Biopsy : It is the surgical removal of a piece of tissue from the questionable area. The sample of tissues can be obtained through the needle biopsy or incisional biopsy or excisional biopsy.

Reconstruction/Rehabilitative Surgery: The major goal of reconstructive surgery is to improve the patient's quality of life by restoring maximal function and appearance. Restoration of form and function is possible in varying degrees depending on the site and extent of surgery. Reconstructive surgery may be performed concurrently with the radical procedure or delayed for optimal outcome.

Palliative Surgery: It refers to a surgery that attempts to relieve the complications of cancer. It can benefit the clients with cancer and improve quality of life include the procedure than reduce pain. Examples of palliative surgical procedures are cordotomy, colossomy, laminectomy etc.

Adjuvant Surgery: It refers to the use of various surgical techniques to facilitate the overall management.

Surgery For primary Lesions: Is is the removal of the primary site of malignancy.  The goal of therapy is cure. For example basal cell carcinoma of skin, early tumour of the rectum or colon.

Surgery For Metastatic Lesions: It is used in selected case where a cure can be obtained or reasonable prolongation of survival is possible.

Preventive/Prophylactic Surgery: It is the removal of lesions, that is left in the body are apt to develop into cancer.

Curative Surgery: It is the removal of the primary site of malignancy and any lymph nodes to which the neoplasm has extended. For example, radical neck dissection, lumpectomy, mastectomy, Pneumonectomy, orchiectomy, thyroidectomy, and bowel resection.

Debulking Surgery: It is the removal of bulk of the tumour; should be performed before the the start of chemotherapy whenever possible.This procedure may be used if the tumour cannot be completely removed.

• Radiation Therapy (RT)

Radiation theraoy is a local treatment modality for cancer. RT is the use of high energy ionizing rays to treat a variety of cancer. Ionizing radiation destroys the cell's ability to reproduce by damaging the cells DNA. Radiation therapy can be administered from a variety of sources. Sources can be classified into those used outside (i.e. external RT) and those used closed to the surface of the body or inside the body(Internal RT).

• ChemoTherapy

Chemotherapy is the systemic treatment of cancer with chemicals i.e. drugs. Here the use of antineoplastic drugs to promote tumour cell destruction by interfering within cellular function and reproduction. The goal of chemotherapy is to destroy as many tumours cells are possible with minimal effect in healthy cells. It can be used for cure, control and palliation.