Articles - Onco (Page 4)

Articles

A collection of 141 posts

Understanding All About Chemotherapy

Understanding All About Chemotherapy

When we think of cancer treatment, one of the first things that come to mind is chemotherapy. Though there are many treatments used to treat different cancer types, it is usually a combination of the available options such as radiotherapy, surgical removal of the tumour, targeted...

What is cervical squamous cell carcinoma?

What is cervical squamous cell carcinoma?

According to GLOBOCAN database, the second most common cancer among Indian women is cervical cancer. Cervix is the lower portion or mouth of the uterus facing in the vagina. Cervical cancer is classified into two main types – the most common type (9 out of 10 cases) is squamous cell...

How to Prepare for a PET Scan

How to Prepare for a PET Scan

Positron emission tomography (PET), also known as PET imaging or scan, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging that identifies changes at the cellular level, helping to diagnose diseases in their early stages. The test evaluates oxygen use, blood flow, sugar metabolism, and organ...

Six Myths Around Prostate Cancer Busted

Six Myths Around Prostate Cancer Busted

As we celebrate men’s health week, we take a closer look at prostate cancer. World over, Prostate cancer has the highest incidence in men after lung cancer while in India it is one of top 10 cancers among men. The incidence rate of this cancer is lower compared to western countries but...

6 risk factors of cervical cancer that every woman should know

6 risk factors of cervical cancer that every woman should know

Cervical cancer is one of the top five cancers in Indian women. According to the WHO cancer database, it is the fourth most common cause of cancer in women worldwide. In this type of cancer, there is an abnormal growth of cells in the cervix, the lower portion of the womb or uterus. As...

5 Warning Signs of Brain Tumors and Their Treatment

5 Warning Signs of Brain Tumors and Their Treatment

A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that grow in the brain. These cells grow rapidly and invade healthy brain tissue. Brain tumors can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). They may originate in the brain (primary) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary...

5 ways to cope with lung cancer treatment

5 ways to cope with lung cancer treatment

Diseases such as lung cancer and their treatments can take a toll on mental and physical health, apart from impacting the quality of life. However, staying positive and adopting healthy coping mechanisms throughout the treatment can improve the outcomes by maximising healing and...

Prostate Cancer: How Can Genetic Testing Help You?

Prostate Cancer: How Can Genetic Testing Help You?

Prostate cancer varies widely in behavior. In early stages, it's often highly curable. Some cases grow slowly and may never cause health issues, while others are aggressive and can spread (metastasize) to bones and organs, becoming life-threatening. What Is the Role of Family History...

Can Papillary Carcinoma Thyroid Be Cured? How?

Can Papillary Carcinoma Thyroid Be Cured? How?

Cancers are named based on the organ or tissue where they originate. Thyroid cancers start in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the front of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart function, digestion, growth, body temperature, and bone...

Is Biopsy Important for Cancer Treatment?

Is Biopsy Important for Cancer Treatment?

A biopsy is one of the key tests used to diagnose cancer. It involves removing a tissue sample for examination to confirm the presence of cancer. The results help oncologists determine the cancer type and plan the best treatment approach. What is a Biopsy? A biopsy is a minimally...

Use of Colostomy Bags for Cancer Patients

Use of Colostomy Bags for Cancer Patients

A colostomy or ileostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen—called a stoma—to allow waste to exit the body when the normal digestive pathway is blocked or removed. This is often necessary for cancer patients, especially those with colorectal cancers. While...

Cancer Screening: Should I Get Screened Or Not?

Cancer Screening: Should I Get Screened Or Not?

The number of cancer cases is rising globally, and many are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited and survival rates are low. Early detection through screening can identify cancer before symptoms appear, allowing for more effective treatment and significantly...

Myths About Biopsy: Find Out What’s True

Myths About Biopsy: Find Out What’s True

Biopsies are crucial diagnostic tools in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Most cancers are diagnosed, staged, and treated based on biopsy results. Despite their importance, many misconceptions prevent patients from undergoing this vital procedure. It's essential to dispel these myths so...

What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma? Does It Only Affect the Young?

What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma? Does It Only Affect the Young?

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune defense. It typically appears as soft, painless swellings in the neck, chest, or armpits. While often diagnosed in young adults, it can affect people of various ages. Understanding...

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Prostate Cancer?

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Prostate Cancer?

A risk factor is anything that can increase the likelihood of developing a disease or condition. Some of these factors can be changed, such as dietary habits or smoking, while others cannot, such as family history or age. However, having these risk factors does not mean you will...

Why You Should Quit Smoking

Why You Should Quit Smoking

Every one in five cancer-related deaths worldwide is due to lung cancer, and smoking is the primary cause. On World Lung Cancer Day, it's vital to understand the dangers of tobacco and the profound benefits of quitting. While many start smoking in youth due to peer pressure or family...

Comorbidities and Their Role in Cancer Treatment

Comorbidities and Their Role in Cancer Treatment

Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death. It accounted for around 9.6 million deaths in 2018 and comorbid conditions added to lower survival outcomes for up to 30% cases. Patients with comorbid conditions need extra care and management from the care team. A comorbid...

Finding the Best Donors for Bone Marrow Transplantation

Finding the Best Donors for Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces blood cells—red cells, white cells, and platelets. When these stem cells become cancerous (as in leukemia or lymphoma), a bone marrow transplant (BMT) or stem cell transplant may be needed to replace them with healthy...

Colorectal Cancer: How You Can Reduce Your Risk And Catch It Early

Colorectal Cancer: How You Can Reduce Your Risk And Catch It Early

Globally, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common in women. In 2018, over 1.8 million new cases were diagnosed worldwide. In India, the incidence is lower than in Western countries and colorectal cancer ranks as the seventh most common...

What Can A Lump In Your Thyroid Mean?

What Can A Lump In Your Thyroid Mean?

Many people discover a lump in their neck and worry it might be cancer. Often, this lump is a thyroid nodule — an abnormal growth of thyroid cells within the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces...

How To Protect Yourself From Lung Cancer

How To Protect Yourself From Lung Cancer

Author: Sr Medical Oncologist, trained from Tata Memorial Hospital. Currently practising at Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Hospital, Kolkata. As with all cancers, early detection of lung cancer improves treatment outcomes. However, it is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to lack of...

What is Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer?

What is Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer?

Brachytherapy is an integral part of the management of cervical cancer for cases where radiation therapy is the primary treatment. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of gynecological cancers worldwide. According to current data, cervical cancer is the...

Why Do I Need To Get A Second Opinion For My Cancer Treatment?

Why Do I Need To Get A Second Opinion For My Cancer Treatment?

Being diagnosed with cancer brings overwhelming emotions and a sense of urgency to start treatment. During this time, you might question whether your diagnosis is correct or if there’s a better treatment option. The belief that you're receiving the best possible care is vital. To build...

What Next After Ovarian Cancer: Post-treatment Care

What Next After Ovarian Cancer: Post-treatment Care

Completing ovarian cancer treatment is a significant milestone. But recovery doesn’t end there. Post-treatment care plays a vital role in monitoring your health, managing long-term side effects, and reducing the risk of recurrence. Ovarian cancer has a high recurrence rate—nearly 70%...

All About Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

All About Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a rare and aggressive group of tumors that can develop anywhere within the bile duct system. The bile ducts form a network of tubes connecting the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Their primary function is to carry...