Cancer

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Cancer

Alternative Names:

Carcinoma; Malignant tumor
Treatment:

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Treatment also varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location.

If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the goal for treatment would be surgery and cure. This is often the case with skin cancers.
If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can also be removed.
If all of the cancer cannot be removed with surgery, the options for treatment include radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Some cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Support Groups:

The diagnosis of cancer often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect a person's entire life. There are numerous support groups for cancer patients.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook varies widely among different types of cancer. Even among people with one particular type of cancer, the outcome varies depending on the stage of the tumor at diagnosis. Some cancers can be cured, some that are not curable can still be treated well, and some patients can live for many years with the cancer. Other tumors are rapidly fatal.

Complications:

One complication is that the cancer may spread. Other complications vary with the type and stage of the tumor.

Calling your health care provider:

You should contact your doctor if you develop signs or symptoms suggestive of cancer.