Thursday, February 2, 2023

How to cure a breast cancer without surgery?

 


Breast cancer 

What is breast cancer? 

  • Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the breast.  
  • It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast divide and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. If left untreated, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
  •  Early detection and treatment are key to improving the chances of successful recovery.

How to cure the breast cancer without surgery?

  • Unfortunately, there is no cure for breast cancer that does not involve surgery. 
  • While there are other treatments available such as :-

  1. Radiation therapy,
  2.  Chemotherapy, 
  3. Hormone therapy 
  4. Immunotherapy 


How radiation therapy cure the breast cancer? 


  • Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. It is often used to treat breast cancer . 
  • The mechanism of action of radiation therapy involves the delivery of high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to the area of the body where the cancer cells are located. 
  • These beams penetrate the skin and underlying tissue and collide with the DNA in the cancer cells. This collision results in the breaking of the DNA strands and the formation of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can further damage the DNA and other cellular structures. 
  • This damage to the DNA and other cellular structures ultimately leads to the death of the cancer cells.

  • The specific doses of radiation, number of treatments, and length of treatment will depend on the individual case and will be determined by a medical professional. 
  • Radiation therapy is usually given as outpatient treatment and is typically well-tolerated, although some patients may experience side effects such as skin irritation, fatigue, and a decrease in the number of healthy white blood cells, which can increase the risk of infection.

  • In conclusion, radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. The mechanism of action involves the delivery of high-energy beams to the area of the body where the cancer cells are located, which results in the breaking of the DNA strands and the death of the cancer cells.
  •  The specific doses of radiation, number of treatments, and length of treatment will depend on the individual case and will be determined by a medical professional.

  • It is important to note that every case of breast cancer is unique and treatment plans should be individualized based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history and current health status. It is always recommended to seek the guidance of a medical professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information about treatment options.


How to cure the breast cancer by chemotherapy? 



  • Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used to treat breast cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy.
  •  The specific drugs and dosages used in chemotherapy will depend on various factors, including the stage and type of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and any other medical conditions the patient may have.
  • chemotherapy, a range of drugs can be used to treat breast cancer, including:

  1. Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) - works by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting DNA replication and transcription.
  2. Cyclophosphamide - works by blocking the replication of DNA and RNA in cancer cells.
  3. Methotrexate - works by inhibiting the metabolic processes that cancer cells need to grow and divide.
  4. Fluorouracil (5-FU) - works by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to produce DNA and RNA.
  5. Taxanes (Paclitaxel and Docetaxel) - works by promoting the stabilization and assembly of microtubules, which are structural components of cells, to prevent cell division. 
  6. Anthracyclines (Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, and Idarubicin) - works by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting DNA replication and transcription.

  • These drugs are administered intravenously or orally and can be given alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.  

  • The specific drugs used, dosages, and length of treatment will depend on the specific case and will be determined by a medical professional.
  • In conclusion, there is no single drug that can cure breast cancer. 
  • Chemotherapy works by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to divide and grow. The drugs travel throughout the body and target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. However, because the drugs also affect normal, healthy cells that divide rapidly (such as cells in the bone marrow, gut, and hair follicles), chemotherapy can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and a decreased ability to fight infections.
  • Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest to allow the body to recover. The number of cycles and the length of each cycle will depend on the patient's specific treatment plan.
  • It is important to note that chemotherapy is not a cure for breast cancer, but rather a tool that can be used to manage the disease. In some cases, chemotherapy may shrink the cancer enough to make surgery more effective, or it may be used to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery. In other cases, chemotherapy may be used as a palliative treatment to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced stage cancer.

  • In conclusion, chemotherapy is one of the treatments that can be used to manage breast cancer. The specific drugs and dosages used, as well as the length and number of cycles, will depend on the individual case. It is always recommended to seek the guidance of a medical professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information about treatment options.


Combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy for breast cancer :-

  • When radiation therapy and chemotherapy are combined, they work together to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment. 
  • The specific combination of treatments, dosages, and length of treatment will depend on the individual case and will be determined by a medical professional. The combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause side effects, including fatigue, nausea, hair loss, decreased ability to fight infections, and others. These side effects can vary depending on the treatments used and the patient's overall health.

  • In conclusion, the combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is a common approach to treat breast cancer, and it works by using high-energy beams to penetrate the skin and underlying tissue and collide with the DNA in the cancer cells and using drugs to kill cancer cells by interfering with their metabolic processes. The specific combination of treatments, dosages, and length of treatment will depend on the individual case and will be determined by a medical professional.


Immunotherapy for breast cancer:- 



  • Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. It is an emerging field in the treatment of breast cancer and is being increasingly used in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
  • The mechanism of action of immunotherapy for breast cancer involves activating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The immune system has a complex network of cells, proteins, and other components that work together to detect and eliminate foreign invaders, including cancer cells.

  • One type of immunotherapy for breast cancer is checkpoint inhibitor therapy, which works by blocking the molecules that cancer cells use to evade the immune system. Cancer cells can produce certain proteins that signal to the immune system to "ignore" them. Checkpoint inhibitor therapy targets these proteins and blocks their signal, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells.

  • Another type of immunotherapy for breast cancer is adoptive cell transfer therapy, which involves removing immune cells from the patient's body, genetically modifying them in a laboratory to enhance their cancer-fighting capabilities, and then returning them to the patient. These modified immune cells can better recognize and attack the cancer cells, resulting in improved outcomes.

  • In conclusion, immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. It works by activating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, and by blocking the molecules that cancer cells use to evade the immune system. 

Hormonal therapy for breast cancer:

  • Hormonal therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is a type of treatment used for breast cancer that is sensitive to hormones. This type of therapy works by blocking the production or action of hormones that can promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells.

  • The two main hormones involved in the development of breast cancer are estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal therapy works by either reducing the production of these hormones or blocking their receptors on the cancer cells, thereby preventing the hormones from promoting the growth of the cancer.
  • There are several types of hormonal therapy used to treat breast cancer, including:

  1. Aromatase inhibitors: These drugs block the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for converting androgens into estrogens. By blocking the production of estrogens, these drugs can help to prevent the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells.
  2. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): These drugs work by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells by binding to the estrogen receptors on the cancer cells.
  3. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists: These drugs reduce the production of estrogens by blocking the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are responsible for the production of estrogens in the ovaries.

  • In conclusion, hormonal therapy is a type of treatment used for breast cancer that is sensitive to hormones. It works by blocking the production or action of hormones that can promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, including estrogens and progesterone. The specific hormonal therapy used and the treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of the breast cancer and the patient's overall health.


All over Conclusion of breast cancer cure without surgery is -

  • In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be recommended, depending on the specifics of the case. Additionally, there is a growing body of research into new, non-surgical treatments for breast cancer, such as ,Radiation, chemotherapy,immunotherapy and targeted therapy ,hormonal therapy.
  •  These treatments aim to strengthen the body's natural defenses against cancer or attack specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

LUNG CANCER ( Definition, cause , Stages , Clinical feature, investigation, differential diagnosis, management)

LUNG CANCER

LUNG CANCER 

 What is lung cancer? 

  • Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma, is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung.
  • Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lung grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Lung cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, and brain. 
  • This growth can spread beyond the lung by the process of metastasis into nearby tissue or other parts of the body.
  •  Most cancers that start in the lung, known as primary lung cancers, are carcinomas.


What is the CAUSES OF LUNG CANCER? 

  • The main cause of lung cancer is exposure to tobacco smoke, either through smoking cigarettes, using other forms of tobacco, or being exposed to secondhand smoke. In fact, about 85% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the amount and duration of tobacco smoke exposure.

Other known risk factors for lung cancer include:

  1. Exposure to radon gas: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in some homes and buildings.
  2. Exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants: such as asbestos, certain metals, diesel exhaust, and air pollution.
  3. Personal or family history of lung cancer: Having a parent, sibling, or child with lung cancer increases the risk of developing the disease.
  4. Having a history of lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  5. Age: The majority of lung cancer cases are -diagnosed in people over the age of 55.


How many Types of lung cancer? 

1.SCLC ( small cell lung cancer)

2.NSCLC( Non small cell lung cancer )

1. SCLC 

  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a type of lung cancer that is characterized by small, round cells that look abnormal under a microscope.
  •  It accounts for about 10-15% of all lung cancers. 
  • SCLC is also known as "oat cell" cancer because of the way the cells look under a microscope.
  • SCLC is a highly aggressive and rapidly growing cancer that tends to spread early to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, brain, and bones. 


2.NSCLC

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. 
  • It is called "non-small" because the cancer cells do not look small and round under a microscope, unlike small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. NSCLC accounts for about 85% of all lung cancers.


NSCLC is divided into subtypes based on the type of cells that make up the cancer:

  1. Adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype and usually begins in the outer part of the lung.
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the cells that line the airways within the lung.

  • Large cell carcinoma can occur in any part of the lung and can look like any of the other subtypes under a microscope.
  • NSCLC tends to grow and spread more slowly than small cell lung cancer (SCLC), but it can still spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.

How many STAGE'S OF LUNG CANCER ? 

Lung cancer is typically divided into four stages:

  • Stage 1: The tumor is small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage 2: The tumor is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage 3: The tumor has spread to other parts of the lung or to nearby structures, such as the chest wall or diaphragm.
  • Stage 4: The tumor has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones or liver.


What is the clinical feature of lung cancer? 

 1. SCLC  

  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing type of lung cancer that typically presents with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss. 
  • Other common clinical features of SCLC include the presence of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and hoarseness.


2.NSCLC-

  • Common clinical features of NSCLC include:

A persistent cough

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Hoarseness
  • Recurrent lung infections (such as pneumonia or bronchitis)
  • Coughing up blood etc 


What is Diagnosis method LUNG CANCER? 
There are several investigations that can be used to diagnose and stage lung cancer, including:

1.Radiology/Imaging tests: These include X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which can help identify the size, location, and spread of the tumor.

2.Bronchoscopy: This procedure uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end to look inside the airways and take samples of suspicious tissue.

3.Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken from the lung using a needle or during surgery and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of lung cancer.

4.Blood tests: These tests can measure the levels of certain biomarkers, such as tumor markers, that can indicate the presence of lung cancer.

5.Lung function tests: These tests measure how well the lungs are working, which can help determine if a person is able to tolerate certain treatments.

6.Additional test may be required to find out the stage of the cancer, like CT of brain, bone scan etc.

(It is important to note that the specific tests and procedures used to investigate lung cancer will depend on the individual case, including the patient's symptoms, medical history, and results of initial tests.)


What is DIFFRENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG CANCER ? 

  • Some of the differential diagnoses of lung cancer include:

  1. Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can cause cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
  2. Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can cause fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
  3. Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that can cause a chronic cough, chest pain, and weight loss.
  4. Pulmonary fibrosis: A condition that causes thickening and scarring of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and a dry cough.
  5. Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that can cause wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
  6. Emphysema: A lung disease that causes damage to the air sacs, leading to difficulty breathing and a chronic cough.
  7. Lung abscess: A pus-filled infection in the lung that can cause fever, cough, and chest pain.
  8. Pleural effusion: A buildup of fluid in the pleural space, which can cause difficulty breathing and chest pain.

(It's important to have a thorough examination, proper imaging tests and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of lung cancer. A multidisciplinary team approach and a patient's history, symptoms, physical examination, and test results will all be taken into account to make an accurate diagnosis.)


How to MANAGEMENT OF LUNG CANCER? 

  • The management of lung cancer depends on the stage and type of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. 

Treatment options may include ;

1.Surgery, ;

Surgery for lung cancer ;

  • Surgery is a common treatment option for lung cancer, particularly for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. 
  • The type of surgery performed depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. 
  • The most common types of surgery for lung cancer are lobectomy, which involves removing a lobe of the lung, and pneumonectomy, which involves removing an entire lung.
  •  Other surgical options include segmentectomy and wedge resection. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
  •  It may be done alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

2. Radiation therapy, :

  •  It uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. 
  • The radiation is delivered externally, using a machine called a linear accelerator, or internally, using a small radioactive source placed inside the body near the tumor. 
  • The goal of radiation therapy for lung cancer is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible while minimizing damage to healthy tissue

3.Chemotherapy, :

  • It involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or orally, and it can be given alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. 

4.Targeted therapy, or a combination of these.

  • In early-stage lung cancer, surgery may be the best option.
  • while in advanced-stage cancer, a combination of treatments may be used.
  •  Palliative care may also be provided to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced-stage cancer. 
  • The management plan should be developed by a team of specialists, including -

 A.Thoracic surgeon, 

B.Medical oncologist, 

C. Radiation oncologist.