Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
Cancer Diagnosis
Solid tumors are usually diagnosed with imaging tests (like CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds) and biopsy, where a sample of the tumor is taken for analysis.
Cancer Staging
The stage of the cancer refers to where the tumor is located, the size of the tumor, and if it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body and is critical for determining treatment.
Cancer Treatment
Treatment for solid tumors depends on their type, location, and stage, but often treatment can include a combination of:
- Surgery: Removing the tumor surgically
- Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth
- Targeted therapy: Using drugs that specifically target cancer cells with less harm to normal cells
- Immunotherapy: Stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells
Common Cancer Types and Blood Disorders
Cancer and blood disorders are generally grouped into three main categories: solid tumor cancers, blood cancers, and non-cancerous blood disorders. Each category involves different parts of the body and requires specific approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Solid Tumor Cancers
Solid tumor cancers are some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and often have a better chance of being treated successfully if detected early. However, the outcome depends on several factors, including your overall health, the tumor’s type, stage, and how it responds to treatment.
Blood Cancers
Blood cancers affect the bone marrow, lymphatic system, or lymph nodes and involve abnormal growth of blood cells, rather than forming solid tumors.
Benign Hematology
Benign hematology refers to non-cancerous blood disorders involving abnormal blood cells, bone marrow, or clotting. These conditions are typically manageable and do not spread.
Guiding You from Diagnosis to Recovery
At Lowcountry Oncology Associates, our team brings decades of experience in cancer diagnosis and treatment. We combine advanced technology with compassionate, personalized care. From evaluation to survivorship, our care is tailored to each patient’s needs. Our board-certified physicians work together to diagnose and deliver proven, effective treatments.
For more information on cancer diagnosis and treatment in the Charleston area, request an appointment or contact our team through one of our locations below.