Q. What are some alternatives for radiation therapy?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer, but there are a few alternatives to consider. One option is surgery, where tumors can be removed from the body by operating directly on them in order to reduce their growth or eliminate them entirely. Chemotherapy involves killing cancer cells with chemicals and can often be used in conjunction with radiation therapy for an enhanced effect. Cryosurgery is another option that freezes tumors using extreme cold temperatures and can also sometimes be combined with radiation therapy depending on the type of cancer being treated. Other treatments such as targeted drug therapies, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and other biological treatments might also be useful alternatives depending on the individual’s particular circumstances or tumor type. In any case though it's best to talk to your healthcare providers about which route would work best given your own personal situation.
Related Questions
-
Can armpit lumps come and go or change in size? | Secondmedic
-
What Are the Possible Risks and Benefits of Seeking a Second Opinion? | Secondmedic
-
How is breast enlargement surgery performed? | Secondmedic
-
Can I still wear a regular bra after a mastectomy, or do I need special bras? | Secondmedic
-
What are the risk factors for developing armpit lumps? | Secondmedic
-
Breast Surgery How do breast reduction surgeries affect a woman's