Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/pc/program/c14b.dxr/00142_SRC.c14b.A.35.txt

Text File | 1997-01-28 | 1.4 KB | 18 lines

• Intermediate-sized cancers require individual decision making about the most appropriate treatment. Factors
  such as the site, stage, degree of lymph node involvement and general status of the patient will influence the
  type of therapy chosen.
• Second primaries have been reported in up to a quarter of these patients.
• Most recurrences occur in the first two to three years, and close follow-up is essential so that cure may still be
  possible. Examinations as well as previously abnormal staging studies are repeated to document the progress of
  treatment or detect recurrence.
• Because of other illnesses related to smoking and alcohol use, many patients die from illnesses other than the
  cancer.
• Small localized superficial cancers can be successfully treated with radiotherapy alone, surgery alone or laser
  excision . Radiation tends to be used first to try to preserve the voice. There are also some surgical procedures
  for small cancers that preserve the voice.
• Recent studies of patients with advanced laryngeal cancer suggest a role for chemotherapy before radiotherapy
  in an attempt to preserve the larynx.
• Advanced cancers are often treated by a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. Because the cure rate is low,
  consideration should be given to clinical trials evaluating chemotherapy, hyperfractionated (several doses a
  day) radiotherapy, radiation sensitizers or particle beam radiotherapy.