Important Things To Know About Different Types Of Cancer Treatments

Cancer is a terrifying disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Although cancer has been a part of human history for centuries, it was not until the past century that significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, despite the advancements in technology and drugs, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and around the world in general.

Currently, there are many different types of cancer that affect different parts of our bodies. From breast cancer to lung cancer and brain cancer, each type of cancer presents unique challenges for patients and their doctors. Although every case is different, there is always a need for vigilance and appropriate intervention from healthcare professionals.

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer. Among the different forms of lung cancer – squamous cell carcinoma and small cell lung ca - squamous cell is the most common form. If detected early, this form can often be successfully treated with surgery or chemotherapy. However, if the tumor grows beyond the reach of these treatments, it typically progresses to an incurable stage and will require a palliative approach to aid comfort. Fortunately, there continues to be continued research into new treatments for lung cancer; however, the best hope for improving survival in this type of tumor is usually through early detection.

Another type of lung cancer is non-squamous small cell. This form is mostly associated with smoking and is often treated with chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options also include systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Survival rates vary greatly based on a patient's stage at diagnosis, though new treatment approaches are accelerating overall progress in terms of outcomes for these patients.

In addition to lung, breast and prostate cancers are among the most common types. These types may present various risk factors, such as gene mutations or exposure to environmental hazards. All types of breast and lung cancer are susceptible to aggressive screening, including imaging techniques such as mammography and annual sputum cytology and lung imaging. Nonetheless, treatment remains tailored according to a patient's specific molecular profile, staging, and extent of disease. The primary aims of treating malignant breast and non-malignant lung cancer remain similar; that is, alleviating signs and symptoms while prolonging quality of life.

Brain cancer can present devastating consequences for its victims. Just as with lung and breast cancers, brain tumors can be classified into several subtypes depending on their cell origin. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most significant of brain tumors and remains challenging to treat. Currently, physicians rely primarily on surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and chemo-radiation, although research in these areas continues. Patients with GBM have a median survival rate of less than a year after experiencing symptoms. More recently, stereotactic radiotherapy (SRRT) shows promise for increasing survival rates. Additionally, a handful of molecularly targeted agents have shown efficacy against glioma, supporting the use of targeted therapy throughout the treatment plan.

Other brain tumors such as lymphoma, lymphoma infiltration of the brain (LBI), melanoma, and extrac