Surgery For Cancer Treatment

      How Surgery Is Used for Cancer

      Surgery is a versatile approach used for various purposes in cancer care. It is one of the primary treatment options for cancer and is used in various ways depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. The goal of cancer surgery is to remove the tumor or cancerous tissue from the body and, if possible, prevent its spread to other parts of the body. What is Cancer Surgery? Cancer surgery involves the removal of tissue from the body and is a primary treatment option for various types of cancer. This type of surgery serves several purposes, including: Diagnosing cancer by obtaining a tissue sample for examination. Treating cancer either alone or in combination with other treatments. Reducing the risk of developing a specific type of cancer, particularly if there is already a high risk present. Treatment Eligibility and Considerations Not everyone with cancer can have surgery as a treatment option. It is often the main treatment for cancer, but it depends on several factors, such as: Cancer Type: Some types of cancer, like leukemia and lymphoma, cannot be treated with surgery because they have already spread throughout the body. Location of the Cancer: In some cases, surgery may not be possible if the cancer is near delicate tissues or vital organs. Removing the cancer could cause harm to these critical areas. Cancer Stage: The size of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body (stage) will determine if surgery is the best option or if other treatments like chemotherapy, targeted drugs, hormone therapy, or radiotherapy would be more suitable. General Health: Your overall health and medical condition also play a role in deciding if surgery is a safe and effective treatment for your cancer. In situations where surgery is not appropriate, other treatments are considered to target cancer cells throughout the body effectively. These treatments may include Chemotherapy Targeted drugs Hormone therapy Radiotherapy which can help shrink tumors and manage symptoms. The decision about the best treatment approach is made by the medical team after considering all these factors. Surgery for Diagnosing Cancer One way to aid in diagnosing cancer is through surgery. Often, the only definitive method to determine if a person has cancer and its specific type is by extracting a small piece of tissue (known as a sample) for testing. The diagnosis involves examining the cells from the sample under a microscope or conducting other laboratory tests. This procedure is called a biopsy, and when performed during surgery, it is referred to as a surgical biopsy. The method used to take the sample varies based on the location of the tumor and the suspected type of cancer. For instance, prostate biopsies are conducted differently from lung biopsies. Surgery for Staging Cancer Staging surgery is performed to determine the size of the cancer and its spread in the body. During this procedure, the surgeon examines the area surrounding the cancer, including nearby organs and lymph nodes. This crucial step provides essential information to guide treatment decisions and predict how individuals will respond to the chosen treatment plan. Curative Surgery In early-stage cancers where the tumor is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body, curative surgery aims to completely remove the cancerous tissue and provide a potential cure. The surgeon will remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure that no cancer cells are left behind. Debulking Surgery Sometimes, a tumor may be too large or located in a way that makes complete removal difficult or risky. In such cases, debulking surgery is performed to remove as much of the tumor as possible. While it may not cure the cancer entirely, it can help reduce the tumor burden and make other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation more effective. Preventive (Prophylactic) Surgery Preventive or prophylactic surgery involves the removal of body tissue that is at a high risk of developing cancer, even in the absence of any current cancer signs. In certain cases, the entire organ may be removed if an individual has a condition that significantly increases their chances of developing cancer in that specific organ. The primary goal of this surgery is to lower the risk of cancer and help prevent its occurrence, although it cannot guarantee complete cancer prevention. For instance, some women with a strong family history of breast cancer may carry an inherited genetic mutation in breast cancer genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2). Due to the substantially elevated risk of breast cancer, some individuals might consider undergoing a prophylactic mastectomy, which involves the removal of both breasts before cancer is detected. Palliative Surgery It is a type of surgery used to address problems caused by advanced cancer. It is often combined with other treatments to relieve discomfort or disabilities caused by the cancer. For instance, some cancers in the abdomen can grow large enough to block the intestine, leading to digestive problems. Palliative surgery can be used to remove the blockage and restore normal bowel function. Additionally, palliative surgery may be employed to manage pain that is difficult to control with medications. The primary goal of palliative surgery is to ease the problems caused by cancer and improve the person’s overall well-being. However, because the cancer is usually in an advanced stage, this surgery is not performed with the intention of treating or curing the cancer itself. Instead, it focuses on enhancing the quality of life for the individual by addressing cancer-related issues. Supportive Surgery It is performed to facilitate and improve the administration of other types of treatment. For instance, a vascular access device like a Port-A-Cath or Infusaport is a slender and flexible tube that can be surgically inserted into a large vein and connected to a small drum-like device positioned just under the skin. This device allows medical professionals to easily access the bloodstream without repeatedly using needles in the hands and arms. With the port in place, treatments such as IV fluids, blood transfusions, or other

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      29 July 2023
      Vaginal Discharge Smell

      What Does Cervical Cancer Discharge Smell Like?

      Overview Cervical cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide. Detecting this type of cancer at an early stage can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Unfortunately, cervical cancer often does not present with distinct symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do become noticeable, they are often misinterpreted or overlooked. One of these symptoms is abnormal vaginal discharge, which can vary in color, consistency, volume, and odor. However, not all abnormal discharges are indicative of cervical cancer, as they can be caused by several other conditions such as bacterial infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or hormonal imbalances. Hence, understanding the characteristics of cervical cancer discharge, particularly its odor, can be of immense help. What is Abnormal Vaginal Odor? Every vagina naturally has its own unique smell. This smell can tell a lot about your health and what you’ve been doing. For example, you might notice your vagina smells different during different parts of your menstrual cycle, or after you’ve been exercising or had sex. All of these changes are perfectly normal. However, if your vagina starts to smell very strong and the smell is bad or fishy, this isn’t normal, especially if it goes on for several days. If your vagina also has a discharge that is grayish-white, and if it feels like it’s burning or itchy, these could be signs that something’s not right health-wise. What Causes Vaginal Odor? The smell of your vagina can change based on how much acid (or pH level) it has. Your vagina is home to many bacteria, forming what we call your vaginal flora. These bacteria help keep the pH level of your vagina balanced. When the balance is just right, it stops infections that can make your vagina smell bad. But if the balance is off, your vagina might smell fishy or just not pleasant. Different smells from your vagina can be normal and not something to worry about. For example: If your vagina smells a bit sour or tangy, it could mean that the pH level in your vagina is a little more acidic than usual. This smell is related to good bacteria in your vagina called lactobacilli. Some people think it smells like sourdough bread. If your vagina smells a bit sweet or like molasses or gingerbread, it could also be a sign that your pH levels have changed. When you have your period, your vaginal discharge might smell a bit like metal because period blood contains iron. If your vagina smells like ammonia, it could mean that there’s some pee on your genitals, or that you’re not drinking enough water. If your vagina smells like a skunk or body odor, it could mean that you’re stressed and your sweat glands are working hard. These smells usually go away on their own. They can change with your hormones or even with what you eat. For instance, eating foods with a strong smell like garlic or fish can change the smell of your vagina. But if your vagina has a bad smell that doesn’t go away, it could mean there’s a medical problem. Bad smells from your vagina can be caused by an imbalance in your vaginal bacteria, which can lead to infection and inflammation (or vaginitis). Some of the most common causes of bad vaginal smells include: Bacterial vaginosis (BV): This is an infection caused by an imbalance in your vagina’s flora. It’s often the reason for a fishy smell, especially after sex. You might also notice a gray or grayish-white discharge. Trichomoniasis: This is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. It can cause a fishy or musty smell, and a greenish-yellow discharge. In rare cases, bad vaginal smells can be a sign of: Rectovaginal fistula: This is a rare condition where there’s an opening between your rectum and vagina, letting poop leak into your vagina and causing a bad-smelling discharge. Vaginal or cervical cancer: These can cause a heavy, bad-smelling discharge. Finally, if you forget to take out a tampon, it could eventually cause a smell like rotten meat. The smell will go away once you or a doctor removes the tampon. What is Cervical Cancer Discharge Like? Cervical cancer-related discharge is typically irregular and not associated with the menstrual cycle. Its characteristics can vary greatly among individuals. However, it is often heavy, watery, and may be mixed with blood (even outside of menstruation). This discharge can range from clear to pale, or from pink to brown. It can also have a foul odor. The Odor of Cervical Cancer Discharge The most distinctive characteristic of cervical cancer discharge is its strong, unpleasant smell. This foul odor is often described as “fishy” or similar to the smell of rotting meat. However, it is crucial to note that a foul-smelling discharge can also be a sign of other medical conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or a forgotten tampon. While it’s impossible to describe an exact smell that can be universally recognized as indicative of cervical cancer, any persistent, abnormal, foul-smelling discharge should be discussed with a healthcare provider. How is Vaginal Odor Diagnosed? If you notice increased discharge with a foul odor that does not resolve even after regular hygiene measures, if you have a strange smell from your vagina, a doctor or nurse can help figure out why. While occasional changes in vaginal discharge can be normal, particularly due to hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle, any persistent change is a cause for concern. The most usual reason for a bad smell is having too much of a certain type of bacteria, called Gardnerella vaginalis, which causes a fishy smell. Here’s what the doctor or nurse might do to find out what’s going on: They’ll ask you about your symptoms and any past health problems. They might look at your vagina to see if anything seems unusual. They’ll take a small sample of your vaginal discharge to look at it more closely. They might check the pH (or acidity)

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      26 July 2023