There are various tumor drug options. However, its use cannot be done arbitrarily because it must match the type, location, size, and whether or not the tumor is malignant.
Tumors or neoplasms are cells that grow abnormally. In most cases, tumors are harmless because they are benign. Even so, tumors can also be malignant or become cancerous, so they can attack healthy tissue around them or even attack other parts of the body that are far away.
This is the type of tumor treatment and medication that can be given
To find out whether your tumor is benign or malignant, your doctor will perform a number of examinations, ranging from a biopsy of tumor tissue to radiology such as CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI. From the results of the examination, the doctor will determine the treatment according to the type, location, size, and stage of tumor development.
In order to know more clearly about the treatment and what kind of drugs are given to treat benign tumors and malignant tumors, the following is an explanation:
Benign Tumor
In early-stage benign tumors or are still small, the doctor may not give you any medicine. The doctor will only perform follow-up observations (watchful waiting) to monitor whether the tumor is causing a problem or not.
If the tumor is located near a vital part of the body such as nerves or blood vessels, the doctor may suggest surgery to remove the tumor. However, if surgery is difficult to do, radiation therapy can be done. You can also request surgery if you feel that your tumor is disturbing your appearance, such as a tumor on your face or neck.
Most benign tumors are treated with surgery, but some can be treated with tumor drugs. In the case of benign tumors such as hemangiomas whose location interferes with daily activities, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to speed up the disappearance of the tumor.
Malignant tumor
Malignant tumors need to be treated more seriously because their impact on health is more severe. Some benign tumor treatments are also applied to cases of malignant or cancerous tumors. Among others are:
- Chemotherapy
The doctor will determine what drugs are suitable for the type of malignant tumor to be treated. Chemotherapy drugs consist of various groups and each group has a different function and way of working. Examples of chemotherapy drugs include: busulfan, cisplatin, and temozolomide.
- Target therapy
Targeted therapy utilizes several types of tumor drugs, such as: bevacizumab, everolimus, until imatinib. Targeted therapy drugs are usually prescribed according to the location and development of malignant tumor cells in the body.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy utilizes several types of drugs, for example: pembrolizumab and durvalumab. Just like other tumor drugs, immunotherapy drugs are prescribed according to the patient's condition or tumor type.
- SurgeryThis action is done to remove malignant tumor tissue in the body that can still be reached by surgery. Usually, this procedure will be combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to help kill malignant cells.
Each treatment and administration of tumor drugs has its own side effects and advantages. In chemotherapy, for example, drugs given to kill tumor cells can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. So, ask your oncologist about the side effects of each procedure so you know the risks.
In addition to the treatment and administration of tumor drugs, some people choose to use herbal tumor drugs. It should be noted that not all herbal medicines have proven efficacy and safety. This emphasizes on herbal medicines that are sold freely and do not pass government inspections.
If you are diagnosed with a tumor, talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. You can also discuss if there are tumor medications you're afraid of or want to try. In addition, check regularly so that the doctor can always monitor the development of your tumor.
