What are the most common treatments for breast cancer?
The usual treatment for any sort of breast cancer is surgery. This is the normal procedure when the tumor is localized. Afterwards the treatment would consist of hormonal therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Depending on the patients age and the type of cancer involved the procedures are divided between those who are high risk and those considered low risk. Each of these categories will have various rules established for their therapy. The possible treatment would include radiation, chemo, hormone therapy or what is called immune therapy. As mentioned above the general rule for breast cancer is surgery. Depending on the size of the tumor a lumpectomy may be required where the lump itself is removed. If and when it is necessary the process of removing an entire breast is known as mastectomy. Mastectomy may be necessary in certain situations: • If several tumors exist in various areas of the breast. • The patient’s breast had previously been receiving radiotherapy. • The tumor in quest
All women with breast cancer should consult with a medical oncologist to determine their specific treatment needs. There are two main types of breast cancer treatment: local and systemic. Surgery and radiation therapy are local treatments. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are systemic therapies. Local and systemic treatments are usually used together to provide the best chance of recovery.