Chemotherapy Services
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, playing a critical role in the fight against various types of cancer. At Face & neck Surgery, we provide personalized chemo treatment plans designed to target cancer effectively while supporting our patients through every step of their journey. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate support.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy, often called “chemo,” is a type of treatment used to fight cancer. It involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. While it is one of the most common treatments for cancer, it is important to know that chemotherapy can be used alongside other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy.
How Does Chemo Treatment Work?
Compared to normal bodily cells, cancer cells proliferate and divide more quickly. Chemotherapy works by targeting these rapidly growing cells. However, since chemo cannot always distinguish between cancer cells and normal fast-growing cells (like those in your hair or stomach lining), it may cause side effects.
The goal of chemotherapy can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer:
- Curative treatment: Sometimes, chemo can completely eliminate cancer.
- Control: It can shrink cancer tumors and stop them from spreading.
- Palliative care: In cases where a cure isn’t possible, chemo can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Types of Chemotherapy
There are various chemotherapy types, each tailored to treat specific cancers and patient needs:
- Alkylating Agents: Effective against a wide range of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. They work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells to prevent their replication.
- Antimetabolites: These drugs mimic the substances cancer cells need to grow, thereby interfering with their DNA and RNA production.
- Plant Alkaloids: Derived from natural sources, these drugs disrupt cancer cell division and are commonly used for cancers such as breast, lung, and testicular cancers.
- Antitumor Antibiotics: Unlike traditional antibiotics, these drugs interfere with the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from growing.
- Targeted Therapies: These newer forms of chemotherapy specifically target cancer cells without affecting healthy cells, resulting in fewer side effects.
The Chemotherapy Process
Chemo treatment is typically given in cycles. Each cycle includes a treatment period followed by a rest period to let your body recover. The process of receiving chemotherapy can vary based on the type of cancer and the drugs used.
Before Treatment: You may have tests to make sure your body is healthy enough for chemo. Your doctor will explain the type of chemotherapy you’ll receive, how often you’ll need it, and how long your treatment will last.
During Treatment: Chemotherapy can be given in several ways:
- Intravenous (IV): The most common method where the chemo drugs are delivered through a needle into a vein.
- Oral: Some chemo drugs come in pill form that you can take at home.
- Injections: Some drugs can be injected directly into a muscle or under the skin.
Chemo sessions can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of drugs and method of delivery.
After Treatment: You may experience side effects like nausea, hair loss, or fatigue. It’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare team, who can help manage these side effects and monitor how well the treatment is working.
Why Choose Face & Neck Surgery for Chemotherapy?
- Expert Oncology Team: Our board-certified oncologists specialize in various chemotherapy types, ensuring the most effective treatment plan for each patient.
Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to administer chemotherapy safely and effectively. - Support: From nutritional counseling to emotional support, we provide a holistic approach to patient care, helping you manage the challenges of chemotherapy.
Patient-Centric Care: We focus on creating a comfortable, caring environment, with private infusion rooms, flexible scheduling, and personalized attention.
Conclusion
One effective weapon in the fight against cancer is chemotherapy. While it can come with side effects, understanding the chemotherapy process and having a support team in place can help make the journey easier. If you or a loved one are about to start chemo treatment, be sure to ask your doctor any questions you have to feel informed and prepared.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your chemo treatment options and start your journey towards recovery.