if the swollen lymph nodes and or breast lumps are removed... what is the point of chemotherapy?
2007-02-28 06:54:08 · 6 answers · asked by Lex 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Microscopic and small malignant cancer cells are capable of breaking off from the lumps and traveling throughout the blood system or lymphatic system. The point is that no one really knows for sure if stray cancer cells have escaped from that primary tumor.
Chemotherapy is systemic and will travel throughout the body via the blood system . . and hopefully kill off any stray, tiny and microscopic cancer cells that may be lurking throughout the body.
2007-02-28 09:14:12 · answer #1 · answered by Panda 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To further prevent the spread of the cancerous tissue that may be left after the removal. 2 of my aunts had it and fully recovered through chemotherapy.
2007-02-28 06:58:00 · answer #2 · answered by ridin_neons207 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The point is that cells in that area can still be mutating and you have to do either chemo or radiation to make sure you get them all. I had 2 rounds of chemo after I had my lumpectomy. It was worth it. I have been cancer-free for 7 years now.
2007-02-28 06:57:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is to kill all of the cancer cells they didnt get and for the ones that was to small for a CT ,PET SCAN to pick up my mom is getting ready for her next 3 months of chemo done had 32 rounds the firt time
2007-02-28 11:04:16 · answer #4 · answered by mountainchowpurple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's even one stray cancer cell, it could cause a recurrence. I, too, had chemo, because I never wanted to look back and say, "I should have...". It's fine and you can make it through it. Peace!
2007-02-28 07:00:10 · answer #5 · answered by Not so looney afterall 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The doctors like to cover all their bases
2007-02-28 07:11:11 · answer #6 · answered by hobo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋