Ways to treat bone cancer

Treatment for bone cancer is tailored based on factors like location, size, type, and stage of the cancer. Diagnosis by a doctor is pivotal in determining the appropriate course of action. Specialists can often assess whether the cancer is curable, and in advanced stages, treatment aims to limit its spread and prolong the patient’s life.

Surgery: Surgery involves tumor removal, and in severe cases, amputation of the affected limb may be necessary. In instances where surgery is not feasible, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be administered, sometimes followed by chemotherapy post-surgery.

Radiation Therapy: This treatment employs radiation to diagnose and destroy tumor cells, utilizing techniques like 3-D Conformal Radiation, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, External Beam Radiation, and TomoTherapy HI-ART. Patients receive nutritional supplements and emotional support to aid recovery and combat infection as radiation therapy can damage normal cells.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy targets and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Patients are closely monitored post-treatment to prevent recurrence.

Biotherapy or Immunotherapy: These methods mitigate side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, often including pain management, nutritional support, and spiritual guidance.

Treatment typically involves a dedicated team of surgeons, radiation therapists, and oncologists. Chemotherapy may be administered before surgery to improve outcomes. Side effects such as mood changes, memory issues, constipation, and drowsiness are common with bone cancer treatments, necessitating regular screening to assess their impact.

Patients require proper healing and emotional support to maximize treatment efficacy. Pain management therapy alleviates discomfort, while nutritional therapy helps mitigate treatment-related malnutrition and enhances overall well-being. Ultimately, the patient’s survival hinges on the cancer type and their response to treatment.