Orthodox Cancer Treatment

1. Diagnosisused to create better images. C.T. scanning
Diagnosis is a strength of Western scientific medicine(Computed Tomography) takes x-rays from different
because of its dependence on analytical proceduresangles and uses the computer to create cross
and processes of elimination. Modern technology hassections or three-dimensional images.
given us many ways to see into the body forM.R.I. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) places the patient
effective diagnosis of dis-ease. Nowhere is scientificin a strong magnetic field that passes waves through
Western medicine so advanced than in the fields ofthe body. The computer creates an image by
diagnosis. Although the philosophy of Westernanalysing changes in the magnetic alignment of the
medicine often comes in for criticism, modern sciencehydrogen protons in our cells. P.E.T. scanning (Positron
has produced many ways in which we can examineEmission Tomography) introduces short-lived radio
and image organisms internally and take samples ofisotopes into body tissues that are then flooded with
tissue in hard to reach places.gamma rays, recorded and then analysed by
A qualified doctor should always be the first point ofcomputer to produce images.cytology and histology:
contact for serious disease as they have a goodCytology is concerned with the examination of
chance of getting you a correct diagnosis.individual cells. The main application in cancer is in the
Self-diagnosis is not a good idea except for verydetection of abnormal cells. Histology or
minor ailments. If you can, always get a second opinionhystopathology looks at groups of cells.laboratory
on any diagnosis. In the UK you are urged to startstudies: Scientific methodology gives us many ways to
orthodox cancer treatments within a month ofanalyse and examine bodily extracts.
diagnosis.2. Prognosis
Diagnosis for cancer uses careful clinical assessmentWhat follows initial diagnosis means identifying
and advanced investigative techniques suchappropriate treatments, forecasting the probable
as:endoscopy: an endoscope is a tube-like viewingcourse and outcome of the disease (prognostication)
instrument with lenses and lights or video cameras thatand standardising the design of research and
is inserted into a body orifice for investigating andtreatment protocols. You may be given the option to
treating disorders. If gives doctors the ability to seetake part in a clinical study to help assess the
inside the body and even remove small pieces ofeffectiveness of a new treatment. Some health
tissue for examination (biopsy).imaging: This processcentres and surgeries are offered payoffs for enrolling
allows doctors to produce images of structures withinpatients in clinical trials which are often ongoing 'action
the body that are otherwise difficult to see. Forresearch'.
example short-wave, electromagnetic waves such as3. Treatment
X-rays are passed through the body. Some areThere are four main types of treatment in conventional
absorbed and others pass through the tissues tocancer treatment:surgery:this offers the best chance
produce a shadow image that is projected onto a filmwhen the cancer is contained to a single area and has
or screen. In x-ray images the bones show up clearly,a low tendency to spreadradiotherapy:invented over
making it an excellent tool for seeing problems100 years ago, this treatment bombards specific areas
associated with bones or hard objects within the body.of the body with gamma rays.chemotherapy:uses
In the 1920's radiologists discovered that certainchemical cocktails that suppress the growth cycles of
substances are opaque to radiation and they began toall cells in the body.biological therapy:
use them as 'contrast media'. When these media areThis treatment uses B.R.M.'s (Biological Response
introduced into the body they create an outline shapeModifiers) such as Interferon or Interleukin-2 to modify
of the cavities they fill, which helps to identify problembiological systems.
areas.Taking these treatments is no guarantee that the
Ultrasound scanning projects high-frequency soundcancer will not return. They do not involve looking for
waves through the body, using a transducer againstor eliminating any causes. To this extent orthodox
the skin. The waves are reflected back and theWestern medical approaches to cancer are only
pattern of echoes produces an image. Computers arepalliative.