Orthodox cancer treatment
by Simon Mitchell
zone3
Diagnosis is a strength of Western scientific medicine because of its
dependence on analytical procedures and processes of elimination. Modern
technology has given us many ways to see into the body for effective
diagnosis of disease. Nowhere is scientific Western medicine so advanced
than in the fields of diagnosis. Although the philosophy of Western
medicine often comes in for criticism, modern science has produced many
ways in which we can examine and image organisms internally and take
samples of tissue in hard to reach places.
1. Diagnosis
A qualified doctor should always be the first point of
contact for serious disease as they have a good chance of getting you a
correct diagnosis. Self-diagnosis is not a good idea except for very minor
ailments. If you can, always get a second opinion on any diagnosis. In the
UK you are urged to start orthodox cancer treatments within a month of
diagnosis.
Diagnosis for cancer uses careful clinical assessment and advanced
investigative techniques such as:
endoscopy: an endoscope is a tube-like viewing instrument with lenses
and lights or video cameras that is inserted into a body orifice for
investigating and treating disorders. If gives doctors the ability to see
inside the body and even remove small pieces of tissue for examination
(biopsy).
imaging: This process allows doctors to produce images of structures
within the body that are otherwise difficult to see. For example
short-wave, electromagnetic waves such as X-rays are passed through the
body. Some are absorbed and others pass through the tissues to produce a
shadow image that is projected onto a film or screen. In x-ray images the
bones show up clearly, making it an excellent tool for seeing problems
associated with bones or hard objects within the body.
In the 1920's radiologists discovered that certain substances are
opaque to radiation and they began to use them as 'contrast media'. When
these media are introduced into the body they create an outline shape of
the cavities they fill, which helps to identify problem areas.
Ultrasound scanning projects high-frequency sound waves through the
body, using a transducer against the skin. The waves are reflected back
and the pattern of echoes produces an image. Computers are used to create
better images. C.T. scanning (Computed Tomography) takes x-rays from
different angles and uses the computer to create cross sections or
three-dimensional images.
M.R.I. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) places the patient in a strong
magnetic field that passes waves through the body. The computer creates an
image by analysing changes in the magnetic alignment of the hydrogen
protons in our cells. P.E.T. scanning (Positron Emission Tomography)
introduces short-lived radio isotopes into body tissues that are then
flooded with gamma rays, recorded and then analysed by computer to produce
images.
cytology and histology: Cytology is concerned with the examination of
individual cells. The main application in cancer is in the detection of
abnormal cells. Histology or hystopathology looks at groups of cells.
laboratory studies: Scientific methodology gives us many ways to
analyse and examine bodily extracts.
2. Prognosis
What follows initial diagnosis means identifying
appropriate treatments, forecasting the probable course and outcome of the
disease (prognostication) and standardising the design of research and
treatment protocols. You may be given the option to take part in a
clinical study to help assess the effectiveness of a new treatment. Some
health centres and surgeries are offered payoffs for enrolling patients in
clinical trials which are often ongoing 'action research'.
3. Treatment
There are four main types of treatment in conventional
cancer treatment:
surgery: this offers the best chance when the cancer
is contained to a single area and has a low tendency to
spread
radiotherapy: invented over 100 years ago, this treatment
bombards specific areas of the body with gamma rays.
chemotherapy: uses
chemical cocktails that suppress the growth cycles of all cells in the
body.
biological therapy: This treatment uses B.R.M.'s (Biological
Response Modifiers) such as Interferon or Interleukin-2 to modify
biological systems.
Taking these treatments is no guarantee that the cancer will not
return. They do not involve looking for or eliminating any causes. To this
extent orthodox Western medical approaches to cancer are only
palliative.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Don't Get Cancer is a new ebook from holistic author Simon
Mitchell. One antidote to cancer is information - this ebook explains
some of the 'forbidden medicines'. It is a better bet than health
insurance. Preview 'Don't Get Cancer' at this web address: http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/don'tget1.html
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