During a biopsy, the doctor removes a sample of tissue from the abnormal area. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or biological therapy. The doctor may use one method or a combination of methods. The choice of treatment depends on the type and location of the cancer, whether the disease has spread, the patient's age and general health, and other factors.
Doctors conduct clinical trials to learn about the effectiveness and side effects of new treatments.
Through research, doctors learn new ways to treat cancer that may be more effective than the standard therapy. In some studies, all patients receive the new treatment. In others, doctors compare different therapies by giving the new treatment to one group of patients and the standard therapy to another group. Research like this has led to significant advances in the treatment of cancer. People who take part in these studies have the first chance to benefit from treatments that have shown promise.