There are additional treatments that do not involve surgery. Systemic therapy involves receiving treatment that reaches all parts of the body through the bloodstream. It is often used to kill hidden cells or tumors that may occur if the cancer spreads beyond its point of origin. Adjuvant therapy is systemic therapy given after surgery to prevent reoccurring cancer. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are both systemic therapies.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.
It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery or to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. It is important for patients to discuss and ask questions about their condition and treatment with their cancer care team. Chemotherapy can produce side affects including nausea, vomiting, loss or increase of appetite, temporary loss of hair, mouth sores, increased chance of infection, and fatigue. Hormone therapy may produce side affects including loss of sexual desire, weight gain, hot flashes, and mood swings. Physicians can recommend treatments for many of the side affects from therapies one may receive to treat cancer.