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If you were recently diagnosed with cancer, you’re probably working with an oncologist to determine the best treatment approach. Chemotherapy is a common tactic for fighting cancer, but many people don’t know what it is and how it works. To put your mind at ease, the guide below explains the basics of chemotherapy and what you can expect in this procedure.

How Does Chemotherapy Fight Cancer?

Cancer occurs when cancerous cells begin growing on or in your body. Because cancer cells replicate faster than your body’s other cells, they can quickly form a harmful mass. Chemotherapy uses a combination of drugs to target and kill these cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is used at different stages of cancer treatment. In some cases, chemotherapy might be the only treatment needed to eliminate cancer. Sometimes it will be used in conjunction with surgery to kill undetected cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to reduce a cancerous mass before techniques like radiation or surgery are employed.

How Is It Administered?

chemotherapyEvery chemotherapy plan will be different, depending on the drugs used, which stage your cancer was detected, and your pre-existing conditions. Chemotherapy is most commonly administered as an IV fluid, via oral pills or liquids, or by periodic shots given by your oncologist. Treatment may be given within a set window, such as six months, or continued until the cancer is gone.

Because chemotherapy drugs are very powerful, they can trigger a range of side effects. Between treatments, you will be given time to rest so that healthy cells can strengthen. Common chemotherapy side effects include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and loss of appetite.

 

The fight against cancer is easier with an oncologist you can trust. Located in Crossville, Tennessee Plateau Oncology - Dirk Davidson M.D is a leader in advanced cancer treatment and support. For the past two decades, they’ve treated many forms of cancer, such as prostate, breast, oral, and lung cancer. They also treat blood disorders like hemophilia, lymphoma, and sickle-cell anemia. To learn more about chemotherapy, you can call the office at (931) 484-7596 or visit them online.

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