Health

How Many Types of Fractures Are There?

Your bone density tends to decrease with age, increasing the risk of bone fracture. A bone fracture occurs when a heavy object hits your bones with a force greater than the bone can bear. The fracture can be minor; the bone may crack but doesn’t break completely. This can be fixed with casting and splinting. Or, it can be severe enough to break through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and other complications. In either case, it’s important to seek fracture treatment in Navi Mumbai to get your bones realigned. Read on to find out how many types of fractures are there.

Major Types of Fractures

a) Simple/Closed Fractures:

The bones break inside your skin but do not pierce through the skin. These are less complicated and often get better with immobilization and casting.

b) Compound/Open Fractures:

In a compound fracture, the bone fragments are visible on your skin. It creates a deep wound that requires immediate medical attention. You must see an orthopedic surgeon in Navi Mumbai to have it surgically repaired.

c) Greenstick Fractures:

Due to their increased bone flexibility, children are mainly affected by greenstick fractures. These occur when something hits their bones, breaking one side of the bone and bending the other.

d) Comminuted Fractures:

This is the worst type. The bones in comminuted fractures break into more than two pieces, often requiring a surgical repair. Because of their severity, comminuted fractures occur mostly during accidents and severe falls.

Specific Fracture Types

i) Transverse Fractures:

A transverse fracture results in the bone breaking horizontally into two pieces. It’s common in your leg or forearm bones. Treatment requires splints or surgery, depending on the severity of the damage.

ii) Oblique Fractures:

A sudden trauma to the bone can cause it to break diagonally. Oblique fractures are common in athletes, as they twist their arms and legs often during sports.

iii) Spiral Fractures:

Bones can also break spirally. Like oblique fractures, spiral fractures are common in people who forcefully twist their bones.

iv) Impacted Fractures:

Impacted fractures result in one end of the bone pushing into another due to serious trauma to the bones. These fractures can affect your ankles, hips, arms, and wrists. Since the bones do not break into pieces, you have a certain level of stability. That, however, doesn’t mean your bones are aligned. Treatment is required to restore your bones to their normal position.

Special Cases

A) Stress Fractures:

A fracture might occur from repetitive activities that put pressure on your bones. These are called stress fractures.

B) Pathologic Fractures:

These fractures occur because of a medical condition that can result in bone weakening to a degree that even a minor trauma can cause a severe fracture.

Prevention and Recovery

You can’t prevent situations, such as accidents or falls, that can lead to bone fractures. Here are a few tips that can help reduce your risk:

• Eat a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium
• Exercise regularly
• Resolve underlying medical conditions, such as osteoporosis.

Conclusion

Fractures are common during accidents and falls. Although anyone can get their bone fractured, people with low bone density are at an increased risk.

Effective Strategies in the Medical Management of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally and physically challenging. However, advancements in technology and medical science have improved the survival rate and quality of life of many cancer patients. Depending on the stage of the cancer, breast cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai may involve surgery as a standalone procedure or combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

In this post, we’ve explored some effective strategies in the medical management of breast cancer. Keep reading.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

The 5-year survival rate of women with breast cancer is 99% if it’s localized, i.e., if it hasn’t spread to the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. The same is 86% for patients with regional breast cancer and 31% if it’s distant or has spread outside the breast tissue.

Screening Methods

Your health professional will conduct a thorough breast examination to detect any visible lumps that could be cancerous. They will also look at your breasts to check if your nipples and breasts look normal. Here’s what else can be used for detecting breast cancer.

1) Mammogram:

This is a type of breast X-ray that examines both breasts closely. If the mammogram shows anything unusual, another one will be ordered. This gives a detailed look at your breast tissues.

2) An Ultrasound:

Your healthcare provider may recommend a breast ultrasound, which can differentiate between a fluid-filled cyst and a cancerous mass. The doctors will decide whether further screening is needed depending on the test result.

3) MRI:

For an MRI, the patient is injected with the dye that gives a clear picture of both your breasts. This imaging test is used to detect how far the cancer has spread.

4) Biopsy:

A small sample of the breast tissues is used to detect cancerous growth.

Treatment Options

Your oncologist in Navi Mumbai might recommend the following treatment options:

a) Surgery

For most types of early-stage breast cancers, surgery is the most effective option. It’s possible to remove the tumor completely. This will prevent the likelihood of the cancer recurring. The surgery is called lumpectomy. If the tumor is large, a mastectomy (complete or partial removal of the breasts) might be needed.

b) Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapies

Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor size, making it operable. It could be needed after surgery, as well. If cancer has spread beyond the breasts and has entered lymph nodes and nearby organs, chemotherapy, and radiation therapies followed by tumor removal are recommended.

c) Targeted Therapies

A targeted therapy attacks cancer cells by destroying the chemical mechanism in these cells. These are highly effective and have fewer side effects, as targeted therapies cause minimal damage to healthy cells. Most targeted therapies destroy the cancer cells that make extra HER2 (a protein responsible for the growth of cancer in your body).

d) Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can be used for triple-negative breast cancer. The therapy signals your immune system to find and kill cancer cells. These treatment options are often used together to destroy cancer cells, slow their growth, and remove the mass from your breasts.

8 Types of Bone Fractures

Bone fracture refers to the broken or cracked bones. Although anyone at any age can experience a bone fracture, they are more common in older people (above 50 years). The risk is higher in people diagnosed with osteoporosis. Visit an orthopedic hospital in Navi Mumbai for bone density screening. The test detects weak and brittle bones and also suggests your likelihood of getting bone fractures. In the meantime, let’s explore the eight most common types of bone fractures.

8 Types of Bone Fractures

1) Simple Fracture

A simple fracture occurs when the bone breaks but does not cause any visible injury on the skin or break through your skin. There’s no severe tissue damage, as the bone is contained within your body. The bone might slightly displace or remain completely aligned with little damage to the soft tissue. Rest and immobilization are the most effective treatment options for simple fractures.

2) Compound Fractures

A compound fracture is more severe than a simple fracture. It occurs when the bone breaks and pierces your skin, leading to a severe wound. It’s caused by a fall from a great height or a car accident that puts excessive force on your bones, causing them to break and injure your skin. You will notice the bone sticking out of your skin and severe bleeding. See an orthopedic doctor in Navi Mumbai immediately if you notice these signs.

3) Comminuted Fractures

A car crash or other severe accident can result in your bone getting broken into many pieces. It’s another serious type of bone crack that requires hospitalization. The treatment for comminuted bone fractures is a surgical repair. The broken bones can take a year or longer to heal completely.

4) Greenstick Fractures

In greenstick fractures, your bone bends so much that it cracks slightly but does not break into multiple pieces. They result from sports injuries, falls, and other kinds of trauma. They are common in children, as children’s bones are weaker compared to adults.

5) Transverse Fractures

A transverse fracture is a bone crack that goes straight across the bone. It looks like a horizontal cut. The crack occurs from a fall or a heavy object hitting your bone. Immobilization is usually recommended for transverse fracture, but surgery might be needed if the bones’ alignment is affected.

6) Oblique Fractures

An oblique fracture is a diagonal crack, usually found in the long bones. These also occur from trauma to your bone due to a fall or an accident.

7) Spiral Fractures

Spiral fractures occur due to a sudden twisting motion, especially during strenuous physical activities or sports. These look like a corkscrew, a spiral line that goes all the way around the bone.

8) Compression Fractures

Compression fractures occur in the vertebra in your spine. They are most common in people with osteoporosis or a weakened spine, which is likely to collapse if you experience a fall, injury, or any accident that hits your spinal area.

Conclusion

Bone fractures are common and mostly occur because of trauma to your bones. These are more common in people with weaker bones (especially elders) than healthy ones. Treatment includes immobilization and surgery in severe cases.

10 Things a Pregnant Woman Needs

Ask any woman about their pregnancy journey, and you will likely hear different answers. Each woman has a unique pregnancy experience. Some experience severe nausea that lasts throughout the nine months, while others have a smooth pregnancy journey with no severe symptoms and fewer visits to pregnancy hospital in Navi Mumbai. To help you make the best of this time, we’ve listed the top ten pregnancy gears that every woman should include in her must-have-pregnancy-stuff list.

10 Things a Pregnant Woman Needs

1) Prenatal Vitamins

Start with folic acid. It’s mandatory for pregnant women and those planning conception. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects and congenital abnormalities in babies. Other prenatal vitamins you need during pregnancy include calcium, iron, vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, and more.

2) Comfortable Maternity Clothing

As your body grows, you need comfortable maternity clothing to adapt to changes, such as a growing belly and sudden weight gain. Pregnancy also brings joint pain and muscle aches. To feel comfortable, order some maternity clothes, preferably loose-stitched long gowns.

3) Hydration and Healthy Snacks

Your body’s demand for calories and vital nutrients increases during pregnancy. Increasing your calorie intake is important to support your growing baby’s requirements and keep yourself healthy. It’s equally important to drink plenty of water, around 8-12 cups a day, to stay hydrated.

4) Prenatal Care

Schedule regular appointments with your gynecologist as part of your prenatal care. They will monitor your vitals, such as blood pressure. The doctor will also order ultrasound and other tests to ensure the mother’s and the baby’s wellbeing.

5) Supportive Footwear

Pregnancy is not the best time to flaunt your brand-new spiky heels. Anything that puts you at risk of accidental falls should be avoided. You should get a couple of flats or comfortable shoes that offer proper foot support while preventing falls.

6) Rest and Relaxation

Your body needs rest during pregnancy. The physical exhaustion from increased blood volume and the growing fetus can put a lot of physical and mental stress on your body. To combat the stress, you should aim for sufficient rest. Sleep for at least 8-9 hours a day.

7) Pregnancy Pillow

Adding a pillow or two beneath your legs can help a lot. It makes your sleep a whole lot more comfortable. You can choose from c-shaped, wedged, U-shaped, and full-length pillows.

8) Exercise Routine

Many women feel intimidated by the idea of exercising during pregnancy. However, it’s important to create a proper exercise routine, practicing yoga, stretches, and basic exercises throughout the nine months. Speak with an obstetrician in Navi Mumbai to know whether starting exercises is safe.

9) Education and Resources

Getting the right book for your pregnancy and childbirth journey can help you learn a lot about what’s normal and what’s not. It also helps you prepare for labor, delivery, and post-partum care.

10) Emotional Support

Pregnancy hormones bring a significant change in your physical and mental health. It’s normal to feel stressed, mentally exhausted, and depressed at times. Spend quality time with your loved ones and practice meditation to improve your mental wellbeing. Seek professional care if your pregnancy blues get out of control.

Signs of Bladder Stones in Females

A combination of minerals can crystallize and form a mass in your bladder, leading to bladder stones. Some of these are small and often pass on their own through urine. Others, however, might require a surgical removal. Although it’s more common in older males, anyone, including women, can develop bladder stones.

The common signs are abdominal pain and difficulty urinating. We’ve researched the most common and less obvious yet possible warning signs of bladder stones. Let’s check out the symptoms and when to seek help from a urologist in Navi Mumbai.

Common Signs of Bladder Stones in Females

a) Painful Urination:

The most obvious sign of bladder stones in females is pain while urinating. This happens when the stone obstructs the flow of urine or irritates the bladder lining, making urination painful. The pain is exacerbated if the stones lead to an infection or inflammation in the bladder.

b) Frequent Urge to Urinate:

Stones block the urine flow, making it difficult to empty the bladder fully. This can lead to frequent urination or the urge to urinate more often than usual. The stone can also put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination.

c) Hematuria:

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, occurs when the stones in your bladder irritate the bladder lining, which might result in visible blood in your pee. This happens when the stones sit around for a prolonged period or grow in size.

d) Dark Urine:

Less fluid intake or the presence of blood in the urine can make it appear darker. Certain types of stone composition can also change the urine color.

Less Common Signs of Bladder Stones in Females

There are a few less obvious signs that indicate bladder stones. Although they don’t occur in every patient, it’s important to watch out for these symptoms and report them to your urologist.

A) Lower Abdominal Pain:

Bladder stones can cause abdominal pain, which can be mild or severe, depending on the size of the stone. In women, particularly, the pain might radiate to the pelvic floor muscles and the back.

B) Painful Intercourse:

In females, bladder stones can put pressure on the pelvic organs, leading to painful sexual intercourse.

C) Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections:

Bladder stones can lead to stagnant urine, in which the urine doesn’t leave your system because of the obstruction in its flow. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, increasing your risk of catching urinary tract infections frequently.

D) Nausea and Vomiting:

If the stones have blocked a significant part of the bladder responsible for regulating urine flow, the patient might experience nausea and vomiting. That’s more common in women with UTI.

When to Seek Medical Help

Visit a urology hospital in Navi Mumbai if you experience persistent pain that gets intense in your lower abdomen. Prompt medical attention is necessary if the pain is accompanied by other bladder stone symptoms, including hematuria, difficulty peeing, high-grade fever, chills, and vomiting.

Bladder stones can grow if they remain undetected and untreated for a long time. Depending on the size and location of the stone, the urologist will either prescribe medication to pass it through urine or remove it surgically.

Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Females

Breast cancer occurs when the cells in your breasts start growing abnormally. It’s one of the most common types of cancer in women all over the world. Although it mainly occurs in women, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 0.5 to 1 percent of breast cancers affect the male population.

Like any type of cancer, breast cancer can spread to the surrounding tissues and organs, and even lymph nodes when it reaches an advanced stage. Early detection followed by breast cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai can increase your survival rates.

Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Females

The survival rates in women diagnosed with breast cancer have been improving. That’s primarily because people are now more aware of the symptoms, and they get prompt medical care, which improves the treatment outcome.

As mentioned above, early detection is key to getting the best treatment. Here are the initial signs of breast cancer you must watch out for:

1) Breast Lumps

The first and most common sign of breast cancer is a visible lump that may have rounded or uneven edges. You must practice self-examination to spot any lumps on your breasts. Women above 40 and those with a family history of breast cancer should get mammograms every year, even if there’s no lump or pain.

2) Changes in Breast Size and Shape

If one or both of your breasts appear considerably larger or smaller than before, that’s a sign you should see a healthcare specialist immediately. Breast cancer can cause asymmetrical breasts. Changes in the nipples and their symmetry can also be the early sign of breast cancer.

3) Skin Changes

Several noticeable skin changes on your breasts can also indicate breast cancer. The most common changes include a visible dimple-like spot on the skin, puckering and scaling, and a red rash. Some women report swelling on their breasts and near the armpits before it turns into a visible lump.

Less Common Symptoms

When the cancer reaches an aggressive stage, you might experience advanced symptoms, like a clear discharge from one or both nipples. It can be whitish, yellow, green, or bloody. Any kind of discharge from your nipples, which isn’t milk, should be reported to the doctor.

i) Inverted Nipple

If you were born with inverted nipples, that’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if you notice a sudden inversion, especially in one of the nipples, it can be a sign of breast cancer. Nipple inversion can also indicate a benign condition, though. It’s best to get evaluated.

ii) Breast Pain

Breast pain can occur from many benign conditions. Hormonal changes, puberty, onset of menstruation, menopause, and breastfeeding are a few common causes of breast pain in women. However, if it’s persistent and accompanied by other symptoms mentioned above, see a gynecologist for a thorough evaluation.

When to See a Doctor

A visible lump on your breasts with nipple discharge, pain, and swelling might indicate breast cancer. You must schedule an appointment with an oncologist in Navi Mumbai to know whether it’s a benign condition or cancer. They will order a mammogram—a breast X-ray that detects cancer and its stage.

Is Chemo Only for Cancer?

What’s the first word that comes to your mind when you hear the word chemotherapy? Cancer. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for different types and stages of cancer. Depending on the severity of the cancer, oncologists in Navi Mumbai perform chemotherapy either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and other procedures.

The question is, is chemotherapy only for cancer? No! It’s also used to treat certain autoimmune disorders and blood disorders. Let’s see what chemotherapy can treat.

Common Uses of Chemotherapy

For Cancer

More than a hundred types of chemotherapy drugs are used to treat different types of cancer. Cancer cells are known for multiplying rapidly. The initial stage of cancer is often confined to a specific organ, but it can spread to the surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and organs if left untreated. Treatment gets harder as the cancer reaches an advanced stage.

Chemotherapy drugs kill the rapidly multiplying cancer cells. The goal of the treatment is to stop the cancer cells from growing or replicating. The number of chemotherapies required for each patient can vary depending on their cancer diagnosis and how far it’s spread.

For Non-Cancerous Diseases

Chemotherapy can be used in low doses or high doses for non-cancerous conditions, especially autoimmune disorders.

i) Autoimmune Disorders:

Lupus and other autoimmune disorders, in which your immune system attacks your organs and tissues, can be treated with chemotherapy. The therapy can suppress an overactive immune system.

ii) Bone Marrow Disorders:

Bone marrow diseases in which your bone marrow fails to produce adequate red blood cells might require chemotherapy combined with blood transfusion and bone marrow transplant. Chemotherapy is often performed before a bone marrow transplant to destroy the damaged bone marrow cells.

iii) Infections:

Some types of severe and persistent fungal infections can be treated with chemotherapy. Antifungal agents are used to offer relief to the patient. Viral infections that do not respond to the antiviral medication might also require chemotherapy, especially in patients with compromised immune systems.

Potential Side Effects of Chemotherapy

As mentioned earlier, chemotherapy kills cells that grow rapidly, which might also include the healthy cells in your gut and those responsible for your hair growth. So, side effects are not uncommon after each session. The severity of the side effects and how long they last depends on the chemo drugs you are given and the dosage. Here are possible side-effects of chemotherapy:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Memory loss (also called chemo brain)
• Fertility issues
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation

The side effects can vary from person to person. These are short-term issues that resolve on their own once the treatment stops and the new cells start to grow. Chemotherapy is also associated with long-term side effects, such as damage to your vital organs, like the heart, lungs, and reproductive system.

Conclusion

You can learn more about different types of chemotherapies and multiple methods used to administer the chemotherapy drugs into your body at the chemotherapy hospital in Navi Mumbai.

Reasons Not to Have Hip Replacement

Do you have constant hip pain that won’t resolve with over-the-counter medication, therapy, or non-invasive medical procedures? Are you diagnosed with arthritis? People with worn-out hip joints might experience severe pain in their hips, which worsens when you move, lift objects, or practice strenuous physical exercise that involves your hip joint.

A hip replacement surgeon in Navi Mumbai will most likely recommend a surgical removal of the damaged joint and its replacement with an artificial implant made of plastic, ceramic, or metal. But is it the right choice? Let’s find out.

Potential Risks and Complications

Hip replacement has many benefits. It helps you regain your mobility. Total hip replacement strengthens your hip joint and makes movements easier and painless. But like any invasive procedure, hip replacement doesn’t come without risks.

It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before proceeding with hip replacement. Let’s explore the common risks and complications of the surgery.

1) Infection:

Although your surgeon will use sterile equipment and prescribe antibiotics, there’s still a possibility of infection post-surgery. If the infection goes deep near the prosthesis, another surgery might be required to replace the infected portion with a new implant.

2) Blood Clot:

Lack of movement after surgery can put you at risk of Pulmonary Embolism (PE) — a medical condition in which the blood clot travels to your lungs, blocking the blood flow. You must start a movement within 24-48 hours after surgery. Your healthcare provider will recommend blood thinners to prevent blood clots.

3) Dislocation of Implants:

The tissues around the incision site take time to heal. During this time, they might not be strong enough to provide support to the artificial implants. If you move too much, bend a lot, or practice stretching and other movements, there’s a risk of joint dislocation. A surgery is required to re-position your artificial hip joints.

4) Nerve Damage:

Nerve damage is a rare but possible complication of hip replacement surgery. Damage to the surrounding nerves can make the affected site numb, weak, and painful.

Alternative Treatment Options

If you are not a good candidate for hip replacement or are simply looking for alternative treatment options, a few non-invasive procedures can help improve your mobility. Here’s what may help.

• Weight loss plans to prevent excess strain on your hip joint
• Physical exercise, like walking and swimming, to strengthen your hip joint, regain your mobility, and maintain flexibility
• Use canes, crutches, and other walking aids to offer relief to the damaged hip
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
• Acupuncture and massage therapy for pain relief

Long-Term Considerations

Mild stiffness and pain around the incision site are pretty common. They resolve on their own within a few weeks following surgery. Remember, the implants used to replace the damaged joints can wear in 5-10 years or sooner, depending on the material used and your movements. Some patients develop an allergic reaction to the implant material, requiring a revision surgery.

Hip replacement surgery in Navi Mumbai is beneficial for patients with extreme pain and loss of mobility, but you should always opt for noninvasive procedures first.

Understanding White Discharge in Early Pregnancy

White vaginal discharge is not uncommon in women. However, an increased volume of discharge or a change in its color and texture can indicate an issue. Sometimes, an increased amount of white discharge can indicate pregnancy.

If you notice a drastic change in your vaginal discharge and it looks unusual, it’s best to visit a pregnancy hospital in Navi Mumbai to rule out the possibility of an infection or other health issues. Let’s learn more about the causes of white discharge, what it looks like, and how to manage it.

Causes of White Discharge in Early Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related vaginal discharge is called leukorrhea—a thin, white vaginal discharge that’s often seen in your early pregnancy.

During pregnancy, your primary reproductive hormones—estrogen and progesterone—increase rapidly. This leads to increased blood circulation to your pelvic floor, causing an increase in vaginal discharge.

Your pregnancy hormones result in the formation of mucus plug in your cervix, which creates a barrier protecting your uterus from infection. The cervical mucus can also cause excess white discharge. The cervical mucus leaks upon reaching full-term pregnancy.

Characteristics of White Discharge in Early Pregnancy

White discharge during pregnancy looks similar to the vaginal discharge you experience regularly. It can be thin, clear, or milky-white. What’s not common is a change in the texture of this discharge in early pregnancy. If the discharge becomes thicker or it keeps leaking continuously, it might indicate an underlying issue.

Pregnant women can experience white discharge throughout their pregnancy, and that’s completely normal as long as it’s not thick, has a jelly-like texture, or has lumps. Abnormal vaginal discharge also has a strong, unusual, fishy odor.

Vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy or at any stage during pregnancy is never normal. Sometimes, pink, brownish, or red discharge in early pregnancy indicates implantation bleeding. It can also occur later in your pregnancy, especially after a pelvic exam or sexual intercourse. Note that any kind of bleeding should be reported to a gynecologist and obstetrician in Navi Mumbai.

Managing White Discharge in Early Pregnancy

Normal white vaginal discharge in early pregnancy is absolutely normal and can be managed at home. These tips will help:

• Do not use scented products, soaps, or vaginal creams unless prescribed by your gynecologist
• Keep your vagina clean and dry to prevent infection
• You can wear pads to soak white discharge. Avoid tampons.
• Avoid douching during pregnancy.
• Avoid using wet wipes. Your genital area has self-cleansing properties. Using chemical-based wipes can irritate your genital tract and can affect your pH level.
• Always clean your vagina front to back after emptying the bowels.
• Do not wear tight panties or jeans. Avoid nylon and polyester fabrics.
• Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and eat a balanced and healthy diet.

Conclusion

White vaginal discharge or leukorrhea occurs during early pregnancy, and it might continue throughout pregnancy. If you notice any unusual discharge, change in color, or the amount, seek medical advice. Sometimes, vaginal discharge, especially if it’s green or yellow, indicates an infection.

Does Chemotherapy Cure Cancer?

Recovery from cancer is not a cakewalk. The first thing that strikes our mind when it comes to cancer is chemotherapy. It’s a treatment used to kill cancer cells through intravenous administration of the drugs.

These drugs are designed to destroy the rapidly multiplying cells, thus inhibiting cancer growth. While chemotherapy treatment in Navi Mumbai is quite effective in treating cancer, the procedure comes with many side effects. Besides, there’s no guarantee it will cure cancer and prevent relapse.

How Chemotherapy Works

Depending on the type and stage of cancer, chemotherapy can be used as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with radiation therapy and surgery. It can shrink the tumor and destroy cancer cells. Most chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously, but your doctor might recommend a topical application, a single injection shot, or pills.

An oncologist in Navi Mumbai will tell you the number of chemotherapy sessions you need to undergo to kill cancer. Then, based on how your body responds to the treatment, your doctor will either stick to the plan or advise additional treatment, such as surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy, for the best outcome.

Effectiveness of Chemotherapy

The effectiveness of chemotherapy can vary for each patient. It depends on the type of cancer, the patient’s overall health, the size of the tumor, and how far it’s spread. However, studies show that those exposed to chemotherapy have a better survival rate than those who never undergo chemo. The sooner you report your symptoms and get an accurate diagnosis, the higher your survival rates.

Note that cancer can return even after you are declared cancer-free. Some types of cancer have a chance of relapse, requiring more rounds of chemotherapy. Your oncologist will schedule regular follow-up visits to ensure the cancer has not returned.

Limitations of Chemotherapy

The chemo session isn’t always painful, especially not for those taking it through pills and topical. Intravenous chemo and injections can hurt a little, but it’s nothing more than a slight burning sensation.

Chemotherapy is used to destroy the rapidly growing cells in your body. That’s how it helps kill cancer fast. However, cancer cells are not the only cells that multiply quickly. The cells in your skin, hair follicles, digestive tracts, and other parts of the body also grow fast.

Cancer treatment can also destroy these healthy cells, leading to side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and infection. The good news is that the side effects of chemotherapy last for a short while, usually until your treatment stops. Some side effects are, however, permanent. They include infertility, heart problems, and early menopause.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy is an effective way to kill cancer, but the treatment comes with side effects and is usually advised with surgery and other procedures. Ask your oncologist about the success rate of chemotherapy and the side effects. Fortunately, some types of cancer disappear completely following the chemotherapy and don’t require additional treatment. But there’s always a chance of a relapse.