Cancer cells are characterized by an aberrant cellular growth leading to the formation of a tumor. Normal cells in the body usually grow, divide and die following a definite growth pattern. However, this is atypical in cancer cells, as these cells divide and grow uncontrollably forming a large cancer mass. Doctors treat cancers using three methods i.e. by a surgical remission of the tumor, by emitting radioactive rays to damage the cancer cells also known as radiation therapy or by administering chemotherapy drugs in the blood stream to kill and thereby destroy the cancer cells. Cancer radiation and chemotherapy is usually given to support the surgical removal of the tumors.

Radiation Therapy:

A vast majority of cancer patients receive some or other kind of radiation treatment. The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible thus sparing the healthy cells. Radiation therapy is used:

1. During the surgery to help in reducing the larger tumors
2. Before the surgery to shrink or reduce the cancer mass
3. After the surgery to vitiate the growth of residual cancer cells
4. To diminish the pain and pressure caused by cancer

The treatment of Radiation Therapy is given by a Radiation Oncologist who decides the dose and kind of radiations to be exhibited. Radiation Therapy could be given by two routes viz.

1. External Radiation: In this mode of treatment the radiations are emitted by an external machine at the area of infliction
2. Internal Radiation: Internal Radiation administers a higher dose of radiations which are given by placing a radiation tube or capsule at the site of cancer. Doctors may quarantine you to prevent the spread of radiations through your saliva, sweat and urine till the radioactive chemical in your body decays

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy:

The side effects of radiation could include sun burn like patches on your skin. One must consult their doctor for an appropriate skin crème to ease the irritation. One should not use their conventional skin lotion as this could worsen the condition. Other side effects show the symptoms related to the area being infected and thus radiated.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy approaches cancer cells thus killing them or disabling them to divide any more. Chemotherapy drugs are infused directly into the blood stream by an intravenous route. This could also be administered by planting or inserting a thin tube at the larger blood vessels in our body. Chemotherapy is methodically given:

1. Before the surgery to diminish the size of the tumor for amputation
2. After surgery to clear off the remaining left over cancer cells
3. In case the cancer has become evasive surgery is not a solution, chemotherapy drugs may voyage at different locations in the body thereby eradicating the cancer cells

Side Effects of Chemotherapy:

It is usual to experience some discomfort after chemotherapy however there are other overwhelming irregularities that need attention. These include:

1. Neutropenia: Neutropenia is the most critical side effect of chemotherapy that is characterized by a drop in WBC Count. This makes our body vulnerable to even a mild infection
2. Lowering of blood platelets could lead to massive bleeding from a small cut as the blood loses its capability to clot
3. Anemia is an anomaly of low RBC Cells in the body, this reduces the hemoglobin content. Short breath and air hunger with a pale and dull appearance are the resultant of anemia
4. Hair loss: hair loss or alopecia is caused by the damage done to hair follicle cells by chemotherapy
5. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is triggered by some chemotherapy reagents that kill the cells lining intestine
6. Neuropathy: Neuropathy is a nerve discomfort , patients often complain of tingling and numbness felt in their hands and feet
7. Nausea and vomiting: These are the most controllable side effect of chemotherapy. Drugs like Zofran and Kytril could suppress nausea. The use of anti emetics in chemotherapy  has proved to be very helpful for patients.

Your doctor regularly monitors the blood count during chemotherapy. In case of sever drop in number of blood cells. Chemotherapy might be put off for a while till the patient regains from the dearth of blood cells. This is because the patients suffer from mylosuppresio.