Four Breast Cancer Treatments Available To You
No woman wants to hear that they have breast cancer. Unfortunately, this is a form of cancer that affects many women all across the world. If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should promptly seek breast cancer treatment. Here are four medical treatments that can help you eradicate your cancer:
1. Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy involves the removal of a tumor from your breast. Once the tumor is removed, your doctor will be able to perform a biopsy to see if it is cancerous. If everything goes well, your doctor will be able to remove the entirety of the tumor from your breast. If the cancer has not metastasized (spread to other parts of the body), you may not need any further treatment. Lumpectomies are preferred whenever possible since this is the procedure that will preserve the most of your natural breast tissue.
2. Chemotherapy
In some cases, breast cancer spreads from your breast tissue into other parts of your body. Since the cancer cannot easily be removed surgically in this case, your doctors will need to remove it using other means. Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment where anti-cancer medication is injected into your bloodstream. These drugs will kill the cancer cells in your body. Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also damage your healthy cells. During chemotherapy, you may feel weak or sick. The side effects can be extremely unpleasant, but chemotherapy is often your best chance at becoming cancer-free.
3. Mastectomy
A mastectomy is the removal of your breast tissue. It can be performed on one or both breasts; when performed on both breasts it's called a double mastectomy. Mastectomies are recommended when a lumpectomy would not be sufficient to remove the cancerous tissue from your breast. Some women opt to have elective mastectomies if they have a high genetic risk for breast cancer. After you have a mastectomy, you can choose to get reconstructive surgery with breast implants if you prefer.
4. Radiation Therapy
Your doctor may prescribe radiation therapy in conjunction with other treatments. Radiation therapy can be used to halt the growth of cancerous cells in your body, or to reduce the size of existing tumors. Radiation therapy may be combined with a lumpectomy or mastectomy in order to ensure that the cancer is completely gone from your breasts.
Early detection of breast cancer can lead to better outcomes, so make sure you examine your breasts regularly. Continue to see your doctor for mammograms as often as recommended. Breast cancer can be frightening, but with proper treatment, recovery is possible.
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