The options for managing tumour metastases and bone pain have traditionally been limited. Over the past few years there have been considerable advances in techniques to target treatment exclusively at the tumour in order to reduce the side effects and complications caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and analgesia.
Bone metastases are rarely treated surgically because surgery is rarely curative; it can also be difficult to gain surgical access to the tumour without destroying too much healthy tissue. In addition adequate surgical excision often excessively weakens the affected bone thus increasing the risk of fracture.
While open surgery is playing a smaller role in the management of metastatic deposits there have been rapid advances in percutaneous techniques guided by new imaging technologies. In his article for totalhealth, London Pain Specialist Nigel Kellow explains some of the most up to date options for both tumour destruction and spine stablisation.
Dr Kellow also answers the question most patients will have: “Am I a suitable candidate for these treatments?"
A type of yeast or fungus. The term is sometimes also used to describe the infection resulting from it (candidiasis). The most common is Candida albicans, which causes thrush infections, most often of the vagina or mouth
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The use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer.
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A condition that is linked to, or is a consequence of, another disease or procedure.
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The removal of a piece of tissue or an organ from the body.
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Secondary tumours’ that result from the spread of a malignant tumour to other parts of the body.
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Usually related to medical procedures; entering the body through the skin.
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The treatment of disease using radiation.
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A group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function.
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An abnormal swelling.
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