Cancer Articles (Dr. S.N White)

Why would the doctor decide to give me radiation before he operates?  In some cases, depending on the size and the location of the tumor, radiation is given to shrink the size of the tumor. This can be done either in conjunction with the operation or in place of the operation, depending on the circumstances of the case. Is radiation therapy sometimes used after surgery?  Yes. It can be used this way. About a month after the operation, when the chest tissues have had an opportunity to heal, radiation treatment may be started. Radiation is given to that part of the chest where metastases were found or seemed likely to occur. Radiation Treatment for Lung Cancer Link Can x-ray therapy be given to the other lung if one has been removed?  Since radiotherapy to the lung can cause scar tissue to form, making it difficult for the lung to function, radiotherapy is usually not given to the opposite lung.

Chemotherapy can be given  • Orally, by mouth, in pill, capsule, or liquid form (PO) • Intravenously, either injected into a vein as a shot (IV push) or as a fluid drip (IV or IV drip) • Intramuscularly, by injecting it into a muscle in the arm, buttocks, or thigh (IM) • Subcutaneously, with an injection beneath the skin (SQ) • Intra arterially, by injecting it into an artery (IA) • Intrathecally, by injecting it directly into the spinal fluid (IT) • Intracavitarily, by injecting it into the pleural space (lung) or into abdomen (for fluid accumulation) How is the method of administration decided?   Some drugs can be given only in one or two ways. Adriamycin, for example, can be given only intravenously or intra arterially. If the drug can be given in different ways, the decision will hinge on the necessary dose, preferences of the doctor and the patient, what kind of cancer it is, and so on. Can drugs be given directly into the bloodstream without putting...