Doctors treat cancer using various methods, one of which is surgery. Depending on where the cancer is located, what stage it is at, and how much it has spread, a specific type of surgery may be recommended to manage or prevent the condition. Depending on the situation, the expert may sometimes even perform multiple surgeries. Knowing the different types of surgeries can help patients stay prepared and cope better in the long term. Types of cancer surgery Diagnostic surgery Diagnostic surgery, as the name suggests, is used to diagnose cancer. When doctors need to find out if certain cells are cancerous, they use this surgery. It involves removing and testing a small tissue to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. The tests carried out on the tissue also help doctors identify the type of cancer and its stage. Staging surgery Staging surgery helps doctors determine how far the cancer has spread. It involves examining the cancer-affected parts of the body and its surrounding organs. In laparoscopy, a type of staging surgery, doctors use a small viewing tube with a camera for examination. Preventive surgery Doctors use preventive surgery to remove any tissue that is not cancerous but can develop into a cancerous tumor.

Today, there are many ways to manage cancer symptoms and remove cancerous cells if the condition is detected early. A common approach to targeting and getting rid of tumors is surgery. At times, surgical procedures can even help diagnose cancer, determine the stage of the disease, and even prevent cancer. Cancer surgery can also provide relief from symptoms. This mode of treatment is often combined with other management options and therapies to deal with cancer. Procedure A typical surgery to target cancer involves the removal of cancerous masses from the body. The procedure usually involves the use of surgical tools to extract the tumor and healthy tissue around it. The surgeon might also remove a few lymph nodes in the area, which are then tested to check for cancer cells. Types of surgical procedures Over time, a variety of surgical methods have emerged that can target cancerous cells in unique ways, For instance, cryosurgery involves the use of cold material to freeze and eliminate cancerous cells, while electrosurgery involves the use of an electric current to destroy cancer cells. Another option is laser surgery, which uses light to shrink the tumor. Other types of surgeries include: Mohs surgery: This procedure involves the removal of cancer layer by layer.

Cancer that starts in the prostate, the reproductive gland that produces seminal fluid, is known as prostate cancer. It is one of the most common cancers affecting people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Some reports suggest that one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lives. Although a serious disease, healthcare experts say it is treatable and curable when a person is diagnosed in the initial stages. Symptoms of prostate cancer While one may not experience any signs of prostate cancer early on, as the condition progresses, it may cause some warning signs. – Trouble during urination – Weaker stream of urine – Blood in the urine – Bone pain or pain in the back, hips, and/or pelvis – A frequent urge to urinate, mainly at night – Tiredness or fatigue Causes and risk factors Prostate cancer’s exact cause remains unknown, but researchers believe it develops as a result of specific changes in the glandular cells. These changes are referred to as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and are observed in over half the population of men over 50. The changes occur slowly, allowing any tumors to be diagnosed before cancer spreads. Although the causes aren’t known, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of prostate cancer.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a kind of blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces a large number of red blood cells, causing the blood to thicken. This change in blood viscosity slows down its flow and can lead to complications like blood clots. PV is a rare condition caused by a genetic mutation. The condition develops slowly, and a patient may have it for years before they show serious symptoms and receive a diagnosis. Symptoms of PV The condition can cause a wide range of symptoms. Most of these symptoms are easily overlooked or mistaken as a sign of another condition. Knowing the key signs and symptoms is important for a timely diagnosis and treatment. Fatigue and weakness It is a hallmark symptom of PV and other cancer types. People with the condition often describe fatigue as a constant feeling of tiredness even after getting enough sleep. The symptom can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Headaches Another common symptom observed in PV patients is frequent headaches. They may occur in different areas in the head or vary in intensity. Dizziness As the blood thickens, its flow slows down, which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness in patients. The symptoms can also increase the risk of sudden falls, making them dangerous signs.

Kidney cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in people. It begins with abnormal growth of cells in the kidney tissue, gradually developing into a tumor. Kidney cancer usually does not show any signs in the early stages. Its symptoms usually start to show when the tumor keeps growing. Learning about some common signs, causes, and treatment options for kidney cancer can help one understand the condition and seek prompt medical attention when needed. Signs and symptoms Blood in urine One of the most common signs of kidney cancer is the presence of blood in urine, which is also called hematuria. If one notices their urine is pink, brown, or red in color, it could indicate the presence of blood. In some cases, urine may appear clear, but the urinalysis report may show the presence of blood in it. Pain in the lower back Experiencing persistent and severe pain in the lower back can also be an indication of kidney cancer. In most cases, individuals do not experience this symptom until the cancer is in its advanced stage. Feeling a lump in the abdomen If one feels a lump or a mass in their abdomen, the side of their waist, or their lower back, it could be a sign of kidney cancer.

Kidneys are important organs that help remove waste products from one’s blood. Kidney cancer occurs when cells in the organ grow out of control. This health condition affects thousands of individuals worldwide every year. It can be cured if detected and treated in its early stages. Although traditional interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have been instrumental in fighting it, innovative approaches are constantly coming up, giving patients hope for better treatment outcomes. Nonsurgical treatment In some cases, surgery might not be an ideal treatment option for the patient. One can determine the appropriate treatment after discussing one’s symptoms with a healthcare professional. Some popular nonsurgical interventions include radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation. For RFA, a trained interventional radiologist would insert a needle into the tumor to deliver an electric current to destroy the tumor. Cryoablation involves freezing cancer cells by inserting a cryoprobe after making a small incision on the patient’s body. Targeted therapy Targeted therapies work by earmarking any cell, tissue, or environmental component in the body contributing to cancer development. They can also target proteins and genes that contribute to cancer cells. Health experts can use the treatment on their own or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.

Myelofibrosis, a rare type of blood cancer, leads to the formation of scar tissues in the bone marrow. This negatively affects the marrow’s ability to make healthy blood cells, resulting in symptoms like fatigue and anemia, which can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks. However, if detected early, the condition and its symptoms can be managed. Additionally, a few lifestyle changes can make it even easier to manage myelofibrosis. 1. Try relaxation techniques Myelofibrosis and its treatment can take a toll on the body and mind. A great way to manage the associated stress is by trying certain relaxation techniques, like meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga. These activities can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. One can also try listening to relaxing music, which can also bring down stress levels. 2. Make time for fun activities A myelofibrosis diagnosis might come as a shock, following which one needs to work on their emotional health to fight the disease and go through with the treatment. One of the best ways to keep emotional health in check is by spending time on activities that bring one joy. These activities could be anything from reading or painting to gardening or taking walks.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a serious complication that can occur after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It occurs when the donor’s immune cells recognize the recipient’s tissues as foreign and mount an immune response against them. Acute GvHD typically develops within days following the transplant and can affect multiple organs, primarily the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The condition is driven by the activation of donor T cells that attack the host’s tissues. Signs of Acute GvHD Skin rashes One of the most common symptoms of acute GvHD is reddened skin areas or rashes. These rashes can resemble sunburns and may cause the skin to be itchy or painful. They can start at the neck, ears, shoulders, or the palms of the hand, and in some cases, they can begin forming at the soles of the feet. As the disease progresses, the rashes can spread to other parts of the body. They can often be accompanied by intense itching, also known as pruritus. The redness and inflammation accompanied by rashes can cause erythema. This can cause blisters and peeling of the skin in intense cases. Gastrointestinal discomfort This is another common sign of the condition to look out for.

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and deriving nutrients to support overall health. But, there are some instances when the system faces certain hindrances, leading to one falling sick. For instance, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can affect the pancreas, including cystic fibrosis, and may lead to difficulty in digesting foods. This condition can interrupt the normal functions of the digestive system, affecting nutrient absorption and potentially triggering additional health concerns. Signs and symptoms Affected individuals may struggle to obtain the right amount of nutrients from their regular foods. So, the most common symptoms one might experience are associated with digestive health. These may include diarrhea and fatty stools. Additionally, some individuals may experience abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating. Moreover, these symptoms may even make one feel full after eating a small portion of food due to the excessive pressure on the digestive system. Since EPI symptoms resemble other digestive issues, diagnosing and finding the right cause of the condition can be challenging. So, it is important to seek medical help and have the symptoms checked and evaluated by a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatment The treatment option prescribed for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and its associated signs may differ from one person to another.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device used for measuring and tracking blood sugar levels. Unlike other glucose-measuring devices, a CGM is wearable. So, it is constantly attached to the body, making it able to measure glucose levels throughout the day and transmit data to a connected device, like a smartphone. Originally developed for those with diabetes, a CGM can now be used by anyone who wants to regulate their metabolism. Types of CGMs The basic function of all CGMs is to measure blood glucose levels. That said, the devices can differ in the ways they display and store this information. One of the most common types of CGMs is known as a real-time CGM device. One such device is the ADC Freestyle Libre 3 system, which automatically sends blood-glucose data to a receiver or smartphone so that results can be accessed anytime. Another type is intermittently scanned CGMs that also measure glucose levels on a continuous basis but share the data differently. To view or store this data, the devices have to be scanned by a receiver or a smartphone. A third type is also available, whose data is downloaded by a doctor at a later date. While CGMs could be of one of these three types, the devices differ from each other based on a few model specifications.