Cancer Stages And Treatments For Each Stage
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As there are different stages of cancer,
there are different treatments that are usually recommended
for each stage. What factors decide what stage of cancer
you are in?
The stage of breast cancer is determined by
your general health, how large the tumor is in relation to
your breast, the results of further testing and biopsies,
and if you have gone through menopause. Some tumors are fed
by hormones and this needs to be determined to decide which
stage you are in, and what treatment you will need.
Stage 0 is a precancerous stage. This means
that a woman may have cells that appear as precancerous.
Lobular carcinoma in situ, or LCIS does not need treatment.
You will be told of the problem and your doctor will ask you
to have regular checkups for any signs of breast cancer.
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The healthcare provider may also suggest
taking Tamoxifen to
reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. This new drug does have some side effects but
most agree the side effects are small compared to the danger of
breast cancer. Others may be asked to take part in studies that
are looking into preventive treatments for breast cancer. If
you have LCIS in one breast, it increases the possibility of
cancer in both breasts. Occasionally, a doctor may recommend
removal of both breasts. This is called bilateral prophylactic
mastectomy. This radical approach has lost its appeal since new
research has given scientists hope for a cure and extended
life.
Stages II, III, and IIIA are considered operable breast
cancer. Your doctor will help you decide if you are a good candidate
for breast-saving surgery, or a mastectomy. Most women who have Stage
I or Stage II breast cancer will have a partial mastectomy and follow
that up with radiation therapy. Most women will have underarm lymph
nodes removed at the time of the surgery. If no cancer cells are
found in these lymph nodes, your doctor may decide if radiation
treatment is needed. If cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, or
the tumor is especially big, then further treatments will
recommended. A woman may choose to have radiation or chemotherapy
treatment before surgery to shrink the tumor to a size where the
removal of the entire breast is not necessary
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Stages IIIB and Inoperable will usually be
treated with chemotherapy. These stages also include
inflammatory breast cancer. If radiation or chemotherapy
reduces the tumor, then surgery can be considered.
Stage IV cancer will have many different
forms of therapy. Hormone, biological, chemotherapy, or a
combination of these may be considered as treatments.
Supportive care is important for anyone with these stages of
breast cancer. Treatment may come from one place, while
pain management is taken care of at another location.
Supportive care focuses on making the woman’s life better
both emotionally and physically.
Women who have advanced cancer may choose to
only have supportive care instead of chemotherapy,
radiation, or hormone therapy. |
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