Hearing that you’ve cancer can be stressful and frightening. But, understanding what to expect, right from diagnosis to recovery, can empower you and help you take control of your health. You can consult with your specialist and get the best treatment at the Cancer Centers in Ahmedabad.
Let’s take a look at cancer, symptoms to watch for, stages, and treatments.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is a severe disease that develops when cells in your body divide quicker than usual. These abnormal cells grow into a tumor or lump.
Symptoms
Symptoms caused by cancer will differ depending on what part of the body is affected.
Some common signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer include:
- Fatigue
- A lump or thickening area can be felt under the skin
- Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
- Some skin changes like darkening, yellowing, or redness of the skin, sores that won’t fix, or adjustments to existing moles
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
- Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
- Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
What Are the Four Stages of Cancer?
Most cancers have four stages. The particular stage is decided by a few different factors, including the location and size of the tumor:
Stage 1
Cancer is situated in a small area and hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.
Stage 2
In the second stage, cancer has grown; however, it hasn’t spread.
Stage 3
In stage three, cancer has grown larger and has probably spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.
Stage 4
In this stage, cancer has spread to other organs or areas of your body. Moreover, this stage is known as metastatic or advanced cancer.
Though stages 1 to 4 are the most common, there is additionally stage zero. This earliest phase shows that cancer is still localized to the area in which it first started.
Zero-stage cancers are generally treatable and are considered pre-cancerous by most Medical & Surgical oncologists Surgeon.
What Are The 5 Types of Cancer?
There are five basic types of cancer. These include:
Carcinoma
This type of cancer affects glands and organs, such as the lungs, breasts, skin, and pancreas.
Sarcoma
This cancer affects connective or soft tissues, such as fat, muscle, bone, cartilage, or blood vessels.
Melanoma
Sometimes cancer can grow in the cells that pigment your skin. These cancers are known as melanoma.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma can actually influence white blood cells or lymphocytes.
Leukemia
This cancer type affects the blood in your body.
How Is Cancer Diagnosed?
To treat your cancer, your oncologist needs to know the tumor’s location, the stage, and whether you’re strong enough to handle the treatment. They will perform several comprehensive examinations and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order special tests, including:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- X-rays
- CT (computed tomography) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasonography
- Biopsy
Cancer Treatment
When your oncologist diagnoses you, they’ll prepare a personalized treatment plan based on their findings. Cancer treatment may include:
Radiation Therapy
This treatment kills cancer cells with extremely high dosages of radiation. In some situations, radiation may be given at the same time as chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
It is one of the most common cancer treatments that uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy might be given through an IV or in pill form.
Biological Response Modifier Therapy
This cancer treatment stimulates your immune system and helps it perform better. It does this by transforming your body’s natural processes.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is sometimes called biological therapy. It treats disease by utilizing the power of your body’s immune system. It can focus on cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
Surgery
In some cases, the best Oncologist Surgeon in India can surgically remove the tumor.
Bone marrow Transplant
This treatment is also known as stem cell transplantation. It replenishes damaged stem cells with healthy ones. Before transplantation, you’ll undergo chemotherapy to prepare your body for the process.
Hormone Therapy
Sometimes hormones can prevent other cancer-causing hormones. For instance, men who have prostate cancer are given hormones to keep testosterone at bay.
Recovery
Since cancer treatments vary hugely, the answer to this question is different for each person. Visit Asian Hospital – the best Cancer Hospital in Ahmedabad & Cancer Centers in Ahmedabad, and our specialist will help you understand what to expect in terms of your recovery timeline.
Undergoing cancer treatment can be a stressful journey. However, your healthcare team can give you all the resources you need to focus on healing and preserve your quality of life.
Get your cancer treatments at Asian Hospital – The best Cancer Centers in Ahmedabad.
