Types of Cancer Treatments II
*Taking advantage of the natural orifices of the body can do an endoscopy. In this technique uses a flexible Ttube on the end of a lens and a light, to image, and a device capable of taking samples of tissue.
Endoscopy changes its name in the body area to be explored: laryngoscopy (larynx), gastroscopy (stomach), colonoscopy (colon), cystoscopy (bladder), etc.
*For some endoscopies needed to make a small incision, if it is in the abdomen, one speaks of laparoscopy in the chest, thoracoscopy, etc..
*There are cases where the cancer screening practice with general anesthesia requires a large incision to directly view the area. It speaks of scans to open surgery.
The latest in surgery: laser, cold…
Some of the most innovative techniques in cancer surgery are applied to laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, Mohs surgery and laparoscopic surgery.
*Laser surgery. The laser is a beam of light energy. In surgery is used for work requiring high accuracy. For example, to vaporize cancer cells in tumors of the cervix, larynx, liver, rectum, or skin (photoablation). It is also often applied in palliative surgery, for example, when a large tumor pressing the trachea or esophagus and cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
*Cryosurgery. Its purpose is to freeze and destroy cancer cells. It uses liquid nitrogen or a cold rod. This technique is used sometimes to treat precancerous stages as those that occur in the cervix. Under study is its application to other cancers such as prostate.
*Electrosurgery. Used high-frequency electrical currents to destroy cells. It applies to some skin cancers and mouth.
*Mohs Surgery. The surgeon cuts the skin layer appears to be affected by cancer. That skin is examined immediately under a microscope. Then go back to remove some of the surrounding tissue and is re-examined under the microscope. This process is repeated until it is established that there is any abnormal cell.
*Laparoscopic surgery. Small holes are made by introducing the various surgical instruments, including the endoscope. It is used for some forms of cancer, including gastric, colon, ovary or endometrium.