Cancer is characterized by the transformation of normal cells into ones that grow uncontrollably and do not die when they should. As they grow, they starve normal cells by soaking up available nutrients and physically take over the available growing space. Doctors treat cancer in several different ways, with the goal being to remove as much of the cancer as possible, preventing the spread and recurrence of cancer. Sometimes two or more methods are used, one after the other, for optimal treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, often abbreviated as "chemo," is a cancer treatment option that involves using chemicals to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used to eradicate cancer cells, slowing the growth of cancer and to reduce the size of tumors that cause pressure and/or pain. The chemicals used in chemotherapy treatment target cells that grow and divide quickly, which is a typical characteristic of cancer cells. However, the National Cancer Institute describes how cancer cells are not the only cells that divide quickly; other quickly dividing normal cells include hair follicles, and the cells of the digestive tract. Because these normal cells are also quickly dividing, chemotherapy often causes side effects such as hair loss, nausea and vomiting.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment option that uses high-energy particles or waves to kill the cancer cells. The American Cancer Society reports that commonly used radiation includes X-rays, gamma rays and electron or proton beams. This is the main type of treatment for certain cancers, such as tumors of the head and neck, Hodgkin's disease, and lung and bladder cancer. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy targets fast-growing cells, like cancer cells. However, the side effects of radiation therapy are usually more localized because the treatment is localized. While the chemicals of chemotherapy are injected intravenously, radiation therapy involves the focusing of radiation on one part of the body. Thus, because radiation is targeted as much as possible to the cancer cells, widespread side effects are minimized.
Surgery
Cancer surgery involves the physical removal of cancer cells by a doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors use surgery not only to treat cancer, but also in its diagnosis. Often, doctors cannot tell how extensive the cancer is until she can see the affected area through surgery. Surgery is sometimes used as a preventive measure if there is a reason to believe that cancer may develop. For example, a person may inherit genes that greatly increase his risk of getting cancer and may opt for surgical removal of the particular organ. The Mayo Clinic states that surgery is often the best treatment option for cancer that is still localized in a tumor and has not spread significantly. Doctors may also use surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible in a procedure called "debulking," when it is not possible to remove all the cancer due to the nature or its location.
