Being diagnosed with breast cancer is one of the most devastating things a woman can hear. Dealing with it is not going to be a walk in the park, both for the patient and their loved ones. The patient will need all the physical, emotional, and mental support they can get to rally through, which is why it’s good for their family and friends to learn about what to expect from the treatment.
Here are some options for breast cancer treatment Newport Beach to expect, in case you or your loved one needs to undergo it.
Surgery
Breast cancer surgery is a type of localized treatment that aims to remove the threat of the tumor without affecting the rest of the body. Depending on the severity of the case, the surgery may involve mastectomy or the removal of the breast to take out as much of the cancer as possible.
The patient’s condition is thoroughly discussed with the doctor first to ascertain which step is best to take next. There’s also the option of getting reconstructive surgery after the mastectomy.
Radiation
This is another type of localized treatment, which involves the use of high-energy rays or particles to target and destroy the cancer cells. This treatment is not always going to be necessary, again depending on the severity of the case.
Specifically, radiation may be recommended after breast-conserving surgery, after mastectomy, or in case of metastasis, or the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy
This treatment is the most associated with the disease, and involves the use of intravenous drugs meant to kill the cancer cells. It may also be administered orally, or in some cases, via spinal tap.
Chemotherapy is usually recommended as treatment for before or after surgery, as well as in a case of advanced cancer stage.