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Oncology is the medical field focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer. Cancer care often involves a coordinated plan tailored to the type of cancer, its stage, and a patient’s overall health. Today’s treatment options can include surgery, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and supportive care to help manage symptoms and side effects. Here is what to know about oncology treatments:
Exploring Treatment Types
Oncology teams use several primary treatment approaches, often in combination, to target cancer cells. Here are some of them:
- Surgery removes tumors and the surrounding tissue. Surgeons may perform procedures to eliminate localized cancer or reduce tumor size before other treatments begin.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body. Patients receive chemotherapy through oral medications or intravenous (IV) infusions.
- Radiation therapy directs high-energy beams at specific tumor sites to damage cancer cell DNA. This treatment is localized and targets particular body areas.
- Immunotherapy strengthens the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. These treatments help the body fight cancer more effectively.
- Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic changes or proteins in cancer cells. These medications block signals that allow cancer to grow and spread.
Each treatment type serves a distinct purpose in cancer care, and the choice depends on the cancer type, stage, and individual patient factors.
Choosing and Combining Treatments
Oncology teams analyze several factors before recommending a treatment plan. Medical professionals review diagnostic test results, including imaging scans, biopsies, and blood work, and determine the cancer type, stage, and location. Patient health status plays a key role in treatment selection; doctors assess overall physical condition, organ function, and existing medical conditions. Age and personal preferences also influence treatment decisions.
Oncologists may prescribe chemotherapy before surgery to shrink tumors or radiation after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells. Integrative oncology approaches combine traditional treatments with supportive therapies like nutritional counseling, IV nutrient therapy, and lifestyle modifications to improve outcomes and quality of life. Treatment plans evolve based on how well the cancer responds.
Monitoring Care and Side Effects
Oncology care requires ongoing monitoring and management of side effects. Here’s what patients can expect:
- Regular monitoring tracks treatment effectiveness through imaging scans, blood tests, and physical examinations. Oncologists schedule appointments to assess tumor response and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Side effects vary depending on treatment type. Oncology teams manage these effects with supportive medications and interventions.
- Integrative support helps mitigate treatment side effects. Naturopathic approaches, including high-dose vitamin C IV therapy, can reduce inflammation and support cellular health during cancer care.
Medical teams provide resources and guidance to help patients manage symptoms at home. Open communication with healthcare providers makes sure side effects are addressed promptly.
Incorporating Supportive and Palliative Care
Supportive and palliative care are fundamental components of comprehensive oncology treatment. Supportive care addresses the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of cancer treatment. Services include pain management, nutritional counseling, and mental health support.
Palliative care provides specialized medical attention to relieve symptoms and improve comfort. It complements active cancer treatment and is not limited to end-of-life scenarios. Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation can also access palliative services to manage side effects and maintain well-being.
Integrative oncology offers further supportive options. Naturopathic medicine identifies root causes of symptoms through specialized lab testing. Treatments address metabolic issues, inflammation, hormone imbalances, and environmental toxins that may contribute to cancer progression.
Schedule Your Integrative Oncology Appointment
Oncology treatment involves multiple approaches tailored to each patient’s needs. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy each play distinct roles in cancer care. Oncology teams carefully select and combine treatments based on diagnostic results, patient health, and treatment response. If you or a loved one is navigating a cancer diagnosis, contact a qualified oncology specialist near you to schedule your integrative oncology appointment today.
