Tratamiento

Este tratamiento para el cáncer, comúnmente llamado "quimio", utiliza fármacos potentes para atacar las células cancerosas en su cuerpo. Estos medicamentos matan las células cancerosas, o desacelerar su crecimiento, e impiden que se diseminen. La quimioterapia se puede utilizar por sí sola, o se la puede combinar con otros tratamientos tales como cirugía o terapia de radiación.

Los potentes medicamentos que se utilizan en la quimioterapia no solo matan las células cancerosas. También pueden dañar células sanas de su cuerpo. En algunas personas, esto causa efectos secundarios desagradables. Veamos cómo puede afectarle la quimioterapia.

Los tratamientos tradicionales contra el cáncer, como la quimioterapia y la radioterapia, están diseñados para matar las células cancerosas. Pero estas también dañan a las células sanas. Esto puede causar efectos colaterales graves. La terapia dirigida es un tipo diferente de tratamiento, que se enfoca sólo en las células cancerosas en su cuerpo. Esto minimiza el daño a las células sanas.

Con este video aprenderás por qué es importante tomar tu medicamento de la manera recetada para tratar tu cáncer y tu calidad de vida.

Este video le va a informar al paciente por qué se usa la terapia de medicamentos orales, y la importancia de tomar las medicinas a tiempo y de acuerdo al horario de esta terapia.

Contiene información sobre los efectos secundarios que pueden tener los pacientes durante la quimioterapia y qué hacer para controlarlos. © National Cancer Institute

Chemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result. Anemia has many symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms listed here. You may need treatment.

Chemotherapy (chemo) is a treatment for cancer. Chemo can be a single medicine. Or it can be a combination of medicines. Learn how chemo works, including goals, side effects, and long-term risks.

Chemotherapy can make your blood less able to clot. This happens because the treatment lowers the number of platelets (clotting cells agents) in your blood. Your risk of bruising and bleeding increases. These tips can help prevent problem bleeding.

Chemotherapy is most often given by IV infusion (through a flexible tube placed in a vein). Depending on the type and number of medicines, the length of your IV treatment may range from hours to days.

You may have a short-term IV or a central venous catheter. Your healthcare provider will discuss which is best for your treatment.

You may have questions about how chemotherapy could affect the things you take for granted in everyday life. Here are some answers to common questions, and some of the adjustments you may need to make.

Packing a personal care bag of items can help you stay calm and comfortable. It can change your infusion experience for the better. Here are 10 things to put into your bag before you go to the infusion clinic.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider if you are considering chemotherapy.

The side effects of chemotherapy (chemo) depend on the type of chemo and the amount given. Learn more about the potential side effects of chemo.

Su sistema inmunitario le ayuda a detectar y destruir gérmenes invasores. Pero como las células cancerosas están hechas de su propio tejido, su sistema inmunitario no siempre puede ver a esas células como algo que debería atacarse. El objetivo de la terapia biológica, también llamada "inmunoterapia" es ayudar a su sistema inmunitario a reconocer las células cancerosas y a luchar contra ellas. Existen varios tipos de terapias biológicas. Veamos los tres tipos principales.

Los pacientes que reciben terapia biológica son tratados con sustancias comúnmente consideradas como "naturales". Su tratamiento puede utilizar proteínas u otros materiales producidos naturalmente por el cuerpo humano. Por lo general no afectan tanto a su cuerpo como lo hacen los potentes medicamentos de la quimioterapia. Pero la terapia biológica, también llamada "inmunoterapia" sí tiene efectos colaterales.

One type of immunotherapy uses monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These are manufactured proteins that target specific parts of cancer cells to destroy them. mAbs are most often used along with other cancer treatments.

Immunotherapy is a way of treating disease or infection using the body's immune system. It can be used in some cases to help treat cancer. One form of immunotherapy treatment for cancer is called nonspecific immunotherapy (NSI). Learn more about NSI treatments and how they're used.

Detailed information on biological therapy, also called immunotherapy, biological response modifier therapy, or biotherapy

CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy treatment for cancer. Read on to learn more.

Immunotherapy is the use of medicines to help your body's immune system fight cancer. The medicines help boost your immune system in ways that help it find and kill cancer cells. It's not the same as chemotherapy (chemo).

Este video le informará al paciente lo que es la terapia de radiación, y generalmente cómo se usa para matar las células cancerosas.

Con este video aprenderás lo que es la radioterapia en el tratamiento contra el cáncer.

Esta terapia utiliza la radiación para matar las células cancerosas. Puede reducir los tumores. Existen varios tipos de terapia de radiación. Veamos las principales.

La terapia de radiación, o radioterapia, es una manera eficaz de destruir células cancerosas. Pero en el proceso, también puede dañar las células sanas de su cuerpo. Esto crea serios efectos colaterales para muchos pacientes.

Este procedimiento no quirúrgico utiliza haces de radiación para tratar tumores o lesiones profundas dentro del cerebro. El tratamiento puede tardar varias horas. A los niños se les puede administrar anestesia general para evitar que se muevan durante el procedimiento, pero a los adultos usualmente se les mantiene despiertos.

SBRT is a form of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. Read on to learn details of when it may be used, and what to expect before and after treatment.

Use these resources to help you learn about radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment. It uses beams of high-energy X-rays or particles to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or particles to kill cancer cells. This therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. Your radiation therapy team will work with you during your treatment.

Radiation therapy uses beams of high-energy X-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. It's a common part of cancer treatment. If you and your provider decide on radiation, you'll need a treatment planning visit called a simulation.

Radiation kills cancer cells. But some normal cells can also be affected, which can result in side effects such as dry skin, fatigue, or appetite changes. Most side effects heal when your radiation therapy is over. Here's what you need to know.

Radiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. To feel better, get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat well. This will give your body the extra strength it needs right now. Also look to family and friends for support and comfort.

You had a procedure done to put a balloon breast brachytherapy catheter into your breast. It will be used to give you internal radiation treatment for breast cancer. The end of the catheter is in the same place the cancer was inside your breast. There's a small balloon filled with salt water (saline) on the end. Here's what you need to know about home care.

You've had a cancer treatment called permanent brachytherapy. About 100 tiny radioactive seeds were put into your prostate. Learn how to care for yourself at home.

Follow these guidelines for home care after radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer. It uses targeted high-energy X-rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider if you are having radiation therapy.

La prostatectomía es una cirugía por medio de la cual se extirpa la próstata. Esta es una pequeña glándula ubicada entre la vejiga y el pene de un hombre. Veamos la cirugía con el método asistido por robot. Es menos invasiva que la cirugía abierta tradicional.

Durante este procedimiento su médico extirpa un tumor de la pared interna de su vejiga. Ese es el órgano que contiene su orina. La resección transuretral puede ayudar a su médico a diagnosticar y tratar el cáncer de vejiga.

Esta cirugía extirpa una o ambas glándulas suprarrenales. Estas pequeñas glándulas se ubican en la parte superior de sus riñones. Producen hormonas que se utilizan para muchas funciones corporales. Es posible que sea necesario que se le extirpe una glándula suprarrenal, si su médico encuentra cáncer o un crecimiento en ella. Esta cirugía también ayuda, si sus glándulas suprarrenales producen demasiadas hormonas.

Esta cirugía se realiza para tratar el cáncer de lengua. Para eliminar todo el cáncer, es posible que se le extirpe una parte pequeña o grande de la lengua. En algunos casos, se debe extraer toda la lengua.

Esta cirugía consiste en extirpar el cáncer (u otro tejido anormal) de su seno. También se extrae una pequeña cantidad de tejido sano, pero el resto de la mama se preserva. El objetivo de la tumorectomía es conservar la mayor cantidad de tejido mamario natural que sea posible. A este procedimiento también se le conoce por otros nombres, incluyendo lumpectomía, mastectomía parcial, y cirugía "conservadora de mama".

Esta cirugía consiste en extirpar uno o ambos senos. Se emplea mayormente para tratar el cáncer de seno. También se utiliza para prevenir el cáncer de seno en aquellas personas que tienen un riesgo muy alto de padecer esta enfermedad. Tomemos un momento para aprender más al respecto.

It can be overwhelming to hear you have cervical cancer. As you learn more, you might wonder how it will be treated. Surgery is often the main method. The type of surgery you have will depend on how advanced the cancer is and how much it has spread

Neck dissection is a type of surgery. It helps treat cancers of the head and neck.

Aprenda con este video cómo tratar el dolor de garganta y los problemas para comer provocados por el tratamiento para el cáncer.

Este video le va a dar al paciente una idea de lo que es la Neutropenia, y va a aprender cómo se puede proteger contra infecciones.

Este video le va a proporcionar a la persona maneras de prevenir y aminorar la fatiga, que es un efecto secundario común del tratamiento contra el cáncer.

La fatiga es un problema común para las personas que tienen cáncer. Es una sensación de agotamiento profundo que afecta su cuerpo y su mente. Es extenuante y ni siquiera dormir le permite recuperarse del todo. Pero hay cosas que usted puede hacer. Pruebe con estas simples estrategias para combatir la fatiga.

Este video le va a ofrecer al paciente varias maneras de prevenir, aminorar y enfrentar la diarrea, que es un efecto secundario común del tratamiento del cáncer.

Con este video aprenderás sobre maneras de enfrentar y reducir el dolor asociado con el tratamiento del cáncer.

Contiene información sobre las medicinas contra el dolor para pacientes con cáncer, los planes para controlarlo, cómo hablar con su equipo de atención médica sobre el dolor que usted siente y qué hacer para controlar los efectos físicos y emocionales del mismo. © National Cancer Institute

Este video le va a ofrecer al paciente varias maneras de prevenir, aminorar y enfrentar la pérdida de cabello, que es un efecto secundario común del tratamiento del cáncer.

Vea este video para aprender cómo prepararse y cómo enfrentar la pérdida del cabello debido al tratamiento contra el cáncer.

Después de ver este video la persona comprenderá el costo físico y emocional que el tratamiento contra el cáncer puede traer y escuchará algunas formas de manejar estos efectos.

Con este video aprenderás consejos que te ayudarán a dormir mejor.

Con este video aprenderás como las alternativas de terapia pueden mejorar los efectos secundarios del tratamiento.

Con este video aprenderás cómo comer sin riesgo durante tu tratamiento contra el cáncer.

Con este video aprenderás como prepararte para una emergencia natural durante tu tratamiento contra el cáncer.

Con este video aprende como cuidar tu piel y uñas durante el tratamiento contra el cáncer.

Con este video aprenderás cuando debes llamar al doctor o profesional médico si tienes efectos secundarios a causa del tratamiento contra el cáncer.

Después de haber visto este video el paciente podrá reconocer los síntomas de la depresión y ansiedad que comúnmente afectan a las personas que se someten al tratamiento para el cáncer, y algunas maneras positivas que pueden ayudar a enfrentarlo.

Este procedimiento consiste en la inyección de anestésico en la espalda baja. Este tipo de inyección se utiliza para aliviar el dolor que no responde a los medicamentos suministrados por vía oral o intravenosa.

Esta es una disfunción del sistema inmunitario. Es cuando los glóbulos blancos no producen suficientes anticuerpos. ¿Qué son los anticuerpos? Son proteínas que ayudan al cuerpo a combatir los gérmenes. Sin estos anticuerpos, usted contrae infecciones más fácilmente que las otras personas.

Difficulty passing stool (constipation) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and pain medicine. It can also occur if you're not getting enough exercise and nourishment. These tips can help.

A common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment is diarrhea. This is when you have loose, watery stools or pass stool more often than usual. To help limit this problem, try these tips.

Extreme tiredness, called fatigue, is common. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, or low appetite. Fatigue can also be a sign of anemia, a shortage of red blood cells. Read on for some tips to help you feel better.

Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Not all types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause hair loss. But if it does happen, these tips can help.

Chemotherapy and other things can make your body less able to fight off infection. Follow these tips to reduce your chance for infection when you are getting cancer treatment.

Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These tips may help you feel better.

Minor nail problems are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects occur because the treatment affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. To manage these side effects, try these tips.

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Here are some helpful tips.

During chemotherapy, the energy provided by a healthy diet can help you rebuild normal cells. It can also help you keep up your strength and fight infection. These guidelines can help.

Minor skin problems are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects occur because the treatment affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. To manage these side effects, try the tips that follow.

Radiation therapy can cause several side effects. Most of them will go away once treatment ends. The ones you have depend on the location of the tumor. These tips can help you care for your skin after radiation therapy.

Cystitis is a common side effect of chemotherapy for some cancers. It can be serious and cause bleeding in your bladder, increasing your risk for infection.

Some cancer treatments can hurt your kidneys. If your kidneys are damaged, they are less able to remove pee and other waste from your body. And they can't work correctly. Here is what you need to know.

Some cancer treatments may harm your ears. Ototoxicity is when a person has hearing problems caused by a medicine. Tinnitus is ringing in your ears. Both can be related to cancer treatment.

Heart damage is a possible side effect of certain cancer treatments. Heart problems can start during treatment. Or they may develop years after treatment is over. Here's what you need to know.

Some symptoms can be mild. But there are some more serious things everyone should watch out for. Reporting these symptoms early to your healthcare team can help prevent complications and extra emergency room or hospital visits.

Although chemo is good at killing cancer cells, it can also harm healthy cells and organs. That includes your liver.

Fatigue is a feeling of being tired, weak, or exhausted. It's the most common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment.

The female hormones estrogen and progesterone promote the growth of some breast tumors. Hormonal therapy may be given to block these hormones from stimulating tumor growth.

Your calcium level can become too high if your cancer has spread to the bones, causing calcium to be released. Or your cancer may release certain hormones that affect the normal systems that control the calcium level in your blood.

One side effect of cancer and cancer treatment is sleeping too much. This is called hypersomnia, meaning too much sleep.

Infusion reactions are when your body has an immune response to a cancer medicine that is given IV (intravenously).

One common problem in insomnia is that the bed has become connected with things other than sleep. This makes it hard to use the bed for sleep when you want.

Good nutrition is important during cancer treatment. Read on to learn how to work with your healthcare team and manage a loss of appetite during your treatment.

effects. One possible side effect from cancer treatment is a low platelet count. This means the number of platelets in your blood is lower than normal. Read on to learn more.

Fatigue can come and go or stay constant for a while. Fatigue from chemotherapy tends to happen a few days after the treatment, peaks, and then gets better before the next treatment. Fatigue from radiation may not happen right away.

Neutropenia is a condition in which the body has a very low number of white blood cells. Because white blood cells attack harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, neutropenia increases the risk for infections.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become porous and weak. As they lose strength, they are more likely to break. Bones in the spine, hip, wrist, pelvis, and upper arm are particularly at risk of fracture in people with osteoporosis.

If you have osteoporosis, your bones become porous and weak. As they lose strength, they are more likely to break. People with osteoporosis are particularly at risk for breaking these bones.

Radiation proctitis occurs from having radiation treatment for cancer in the pelvic area. It can cause rectal pain, bleeding, and problems with pooping (bowel movements).

Treatment for cancer can cause many changes that may affect your sexuality. It can also change the physical or emotional closeness you share with another person. Different treatments can cause different physical and psychological changes that can affect how you feel, look, and function. These changes may be temporary, or they may last a long time.

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a collection of symptoms that usually occur in patients who have lung cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or other cancers. It also can occur from noncancer causes. This summary explains SVCS and its treatment in adults and children.

Side effects during cancer treatment can be difficult and frustrating. But there are things you can do to help minimize them.

To help manage changes in taste, stay away from foods and odors you find unpleasant. Brush your teeth before and after meals to keep your mouth clean.

".Some people find that the powerful medicines used for chemotherapy treatment make them not able to think clearly or have a ""fuzzy memory."" If you've noticed this, it's not all in your head. It's real, something that people with cancer often call ""chemobrain"" or ""chemo fog."" Read on to learn more. "

Como parte de su plan de tratamiento para el cáncer, es posible que su médico le recomiende la terapia hormonal. Esta es una forma de combatir las células cancerosas, eliminando las hormonas que ellas necesitan para crecer. Tomémonos unos minutos para aprender más al respecto.

La médula ósea es un tejido blando y esponjoso que se encuentra dentro de los huesos grandes de su cuerpo. Es allí donde se forman las nuevas células sanguíneas. La médula ósea puede verse dañada por una enfermedad. La quimioterapia o la terapia de radiación pueden destruirla. Un trasplante de médula ósea utiliza células madre sanas, para reconstruir su médula ósea dañada.

Las vacunas contra el cáncer estimulan su sistema inmunitario, ayudándolo a reconocer y combatir virus relacionados con el cáncer, o a luchar directamente contra las células cancerosas. Hay dos tipos de vacunas contra el cáncer, las "preventivas" y las de "tratamiento".

La médula ósea es un tejido blando y esponjoso que se encuentra dentro de los huesos grandes de su cuerpo. Es allí donde se forman las nuevas células sanguíneas. La médula ósea puede verse dañada por una enfermedad. La quimioterapia o la terapia de radiación pueden destruirla. Un trasplante de células madre utiliza células madre sanas, para reconstruir su médula ósea dañada.

Este tratamiento utiliza implantes radioactivos llamados "semillas" para destruir las células cancerosas de la próstata. Las semillas se implantan en su próstata. Cada semilla tiene aproximadamente el tamaño de un grano de arroz.

PDT is a treatment that uses medicines called photosynthesizing agents and light to destroy cancer cells. It is most often used to treat certain cancers in the esophagus, lungs, and skin. Learn more about PDT and what to expect.

New vaccines are being developed for cancer. Learn more about these vaccines.

A blood transfusion is when blood or parts of the blood are given to a person through an IV line placed in a vein. The blood and blood parts used for transfusion are called blood products. The blood usually comes from another person (donor). This sheet tells you more about how blood and blood products may be used to help treat cancer.

Infusion therapy is a safe way to take medicines or fluids that can't be taken by mouth. Instead, they flow through a flexible tube (catheter) that's placed in a vein—usually on your arm or chest. This is called the infusion site.

Use this checklist to make sure you have all the things you need. If anything is missing or damaged, call the supply company right away.

Infusion therapy is a safe way to take medicines or fluids that can't be taken by mouth. Here's how to prevent infection when doing infusion therapy at home.

Your supplies need to be kept sterile. Otherwise, they aren't safe to use. Inspect, store, and dispose of supplies as directed by the nurse.

At home, you need to take good care of your catheter. A catheter has a high risk of infection. You must take extra care to protect it from germs.

Here is a brief explanation of 10 different complementary cancer therapies.

In some cases, chemo or radiation may require an inpatient stay. Cancer patients may also need an inpatient stay for surgery or other complex procedures.

Here are some questions to ask your healthcare provider about hormonal therapy.

Investigational medicine use describes the use of investigational medicines by seriously ill people not enrolled in clinical trials.

Clinical trials can help researchers find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, and treat a disease.

Bone marrow suppression is when fewer blood cells are made in the marrow. It's a common side effect of some strong medicines, such as chemotherapy.

Targeted therapy is a treatment that uses medicines to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. These medicines target certain parts of some cancer cells.