Schnellzugriff
Possibilities for treatment
As more and more knowledge is gathered on breast cancer, it becomes increasingly possible to offer patients individually tailored treatment plans to ensure that the best possible efficacy with the lowest rate of side effects and the best possible quality of life.
The aim of the following pages is to help you better understand the different treatment options for breast cancer and assist you in decision-making.
>> Who does what in tumour therapy
Surgery
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will almost always need to have an operation.
Depending on the size and position of the tumour, the size and shape of the breast and especially your personal wishes, several types of operation can be performed.
Surgical methods
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy consists of exposing the affected tissue to ionising radiation. The aim is to destroy any remaining cancerous cells or any cells that have already moved away from the primary site but have not yet been recognised as cancerous. The aim of radiotherapy of the breast is to destroy any remaining cancerous cells or in the region of the scar to avoid recurrence of the tumour at the original site (local recurrence).
Systemic therapy
Even though the latest examination methods do not reveal any escape of cancerous cells to other parts of the body, it must always be borne in mind that small groups of tumour cells may have been transported to other body regions. Systemic therapies - i.e. chemotherapy or hormone therapy - are therefore given to destroy these small groupings of cells.
Who does what in tumour therapy?
Radiooncologists are doctors who are specialised in the treatment of cancer using radiotherapy.
To avoid a recurrence of the cancer, chemotherapy or hormone therapy is necessary in many cases. This type of treatment is given by specially trained gynaecologists or specialists in internal medicine with special training in oncology.
Psychotherapists help with emotional problems, which may occur in patients with breast cancer, and we have psychotherapists who are specially trained in the care of cancer patients.
Other persons and specialist areas involved in treatment:
- Doctors who are also specialised in naturopathy
- Social workers who can give you advice on rehabilitation and questions of social entitlements
- Physiotherapists who treat you for tense and stiff muscles and joints and perform lymph drainage
- Dieticians who can help you put together a special diet, should you need one
- Surgical supplies stores, who assist you with the choice of special garments or treatment devices.
