Question 1

Are PET scans safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes! PET scans use a tiny amount of safe radiation for diagnostic purposes.

Question 2

What are the best natural remedies for chemo side effects like nausea?

Accepted Answer

Ginger, peppermint, small frequent meals, and acupuncture are effective natural remedies that chemo patients can try to manage nausea safely.

Question 3

What is the main difference between benign and malignant brain tumors?

Accepted Answer

Benign tumors are noncancerous, slow-growing, and typically don’t invade surrounding tissue. Malignant tumors are cancerous, fast-growing, and often spread within the brain.

Question 4

What is breast cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Removal of cancerous cells from the breast tissue through a surgical procedure is known as a breast cancer treatment.

Question 5

Are there any other preventive tests for specific types of cancer in women?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are additional tests like HPV testing for cervical cancer, transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian cancer, and bone density test for detecting osteoporosis, which is common in women.

Question 6

What do the test results mean?

Accepted Answer

Results are given as T-scores; a score above -1 is normal, between -1 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass, and below -2.5 suggests osteoporosis.

Question 7

How long does it take to recover from colon cancer surgery?

Accepted Answer

Recovery time varies. Depending on the type of surgery, it can take 2 to 4 days in the hospital and up to 6 weeks at home for a full recovery.

Question 8

What are the benefits of combining traditional and alternative cancer therapy?

Accepted Answer

Combining traditional and alternative cancer treatments has numerous psychological benefits, such as improved survival rates, reduced side effects, and increased quality of life.

Question 9

Can you live a normal life after esophagectomy?

Accepted Answer

Many people experience improved quality of life after esophagectomy. Ongoing doctor's care is essential to manage continuing symptoms and adjust lifestyle.

Question 10

What is esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

The oesophagus, which connects your mouth to your stomach, is where esophageal cancer typically develops.

Question 11

How does one take care of oneself during treatment for Burkitt lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for Burkitt lymphoma might be difficult. Aside from the physical side effects, you or your child might have to spend days in the hospital, interfering with family, professional, and academic obligations. Here are some ideas that might be useful:

Involve your network of family and friends who could be able to support friends at home if you or your child will be in the hospital for several days.
Treatment can be draining, and you or your child can feel worn out after finishing it. Allow yourself and them space to recover.
Healthy eating is essential for cancer recovery since cancer treatment might affect your or your child's appetite.
Some kids experience self-consciousness because they are receiving therapy, experiencing side effects, or simply missing out on school and friends. Ask your doctor about the services provided by a child life specialist.

Question 12

How does one take care of oneself during treatment for Burkitt lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for Burkitt lymphoma might be difficult. Aside from the physical side effects, you or your child might have to spend days in the hospital, interfering with family, professional, and academic obligations. Here are some ideas that might be useful:

Involve your network of family and friends who could be able to support friends at home if you or your child will be in the hospital for several days.
Treatment can be draining, and you or your child can feel worn out after finishing it. Allow yourself and them space to recover.
Healthy eating is essential for cancer recovery since cancer treatment might affect your or your child's appetite.
Some kids experience self-consciousness because they are receiving therapy, experiencing side effects, or simply missing out on school and friends. Ask your doctor about the services provided by a child life specialist.

Question 13

What types of childhood cancers can be treated with CAR-T therapy?

Accepted Answer

CAR-T therapy has shown promise in treating certain types of paediatric cancers, such as relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Research is ongoing to explore its potential for other childhood cancers.

Question 14

What are the common side effects of chemotherapy drugs?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy drugs often cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and loss of appetite. Other common side effects include changes in skin and nails, anaemia, increased risk of infections, and mouth sores.

Question 15

Can non-smokers develop lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, non-smokers can develop lung cancer. Smoking tobacco could be the main cause that leads to lung cancer. However, it is not the only reason. Other factors such as passive smoking, exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos, radon and other chemicals due to occupational hazards, air pollution, genetic predisposition, etc., can also cause lung cancer.

Question 16

What is stomach cancer?

Accepted Answer

When cancer cells grow out of control in the stomach, it is referred to as stomach cancer or gastric cancer. While adenocarcinoma of the stomach is the most prevalent type, there are some other types of tumours that can occur in the stomach too. Adenocarcinoma begins in the linings of the stomach and can spread to either the wall of the stomach or to other areas.

Question 17

What are the most common types of gastrointestinal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. As a whole they are responsible for more cancers and deaths from cancer than any other system in the body. One in every twenty people will be affected by colon cancer, one of the GI cancers. Gastrointestinal cancer (GI) affects the organs of your digestive tract. The most common GI cancers include the following:

Anal cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer
Esophageal cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Liver cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Small intestinal cancer
Stomach cancer(gastric cancer)

The most common cancer types are:

Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Neuroendocrine tumours
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs)

Question 18

How does a prostate biopsy confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

A prostate biopsy is a definitive test for prostate cancer diagnosis. It involves the removal of small tissue samples from the prostate gland using a needle. A pathologist then examines these samples under a microscope to determine the presence of cancerous cells. The biopsy results provide information about the aggressiveness and stage of the cancer.

Question 19

What is adrenal gland cancer?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal gland cancer, also known as adrenal cortical carcinoma, is a rare cancer that develops in the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands.

Question 20

What are the early warning signs of carcinoid tumours?

Accepted Answer

Early warning signs of carcinoid tumours can vary depending on the location and hormone secretion of the tumour. Common symptoms may include abdominal pain, flushing, diarrhoea, wheezing, and changes in bowel habits.

Question 21

What is a Cardiac tumour?

Accepted Answer

It is a form of heart cancer that leads to cancerous or noncancerous growth in the heart, which can be fatal if not treated at the right time.

Question 22

What is leukaemia?

Accepted Answer

Leukaemia is a type of cancer that impacts the blood, causing the proliferation of abnormal blood cells. This unregulated growth occurs in the bone marrow, which generates most of the body's blood.

Question 23

Why are PET scans important in cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

PET scans play a crucial role in cancer treatment by helping to:

Detect cancer at an early stage.
Stage cancer by determining how far the disease has spread.
Assess treatment response to evaluate whether a tumour is shrinking or remaining stable during therapy.
Guide treatment planning, ensuring targeted therapies are directed at active cancer cells.

Question 24

How is a liquid biopsy performed?

Accepted Answer

A small blood sample is taken and analysed in a lab to detect cancer-related genetic material.

Question 25

What support is available for managing the psychological effects of prostate cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Dealing with the psychological and emotional impact of prostate cancer treatment is crucial. Support can be sought through various means, including counselling services, support groups, or connecting with cancer survivors. Your healthcare team can guide you with appropriate resources for emotional and psychological well-being.

Question 26

Is radiation therapy painful?

Accepted Answer

Radiation therapy itself is usually painless. You might feel discomfort or skin irritation in the treated area, but the treatment process is generally non-invasive and well-tolerated.

Question 27

How much alcohol consumption is considered safe to avoid increasing the risk of liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

There is no universally safe level of alcohol consumption, but guidelines generally suggest limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men to reduce the risk of liver damage and cancer.

Question 28

How does smoking cause lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

Smoking introduces harmful chemicals like tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide into the lungs. These substances damage the cells in the lungs, leading to mutations that can cause cancer. Over time, the accumulation of these toxins increases the risk of lung cancer.

Question 29

What is soft tissue sarcoma?

Accepted Answer

It is a medical condition indicating the growth of cancerous cells in the soft tissue surrounding different body parts.

Question 30

What are meningiomas?

Accepted Answer

Meningiomas are tumours arising from the meninges, the protective outer membrane covering the brain and spinal cord.

Question 31

What is breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

The multiplication of cancerous cells in breasts, damaging the functioning of the part of the body, is known as breast cancer.

Question 32

How to do breast self-examination correctly every month?

Accepted Answer

Begin with a visual check in the mirror, followed by manual palpation while standing and lying down.

Question 33

How long does the chemotherapy process last?

Accepted Answer

Chemo is given in cycles (one session every 2–3 weeks). Many people finish in 3–6 months, but some courses can last a year or more.

Question 34

What are the early symptoms of kidney cancer in adults?

Accepted Answer

Early symptoms include blood in urine, persistent flank or back pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and low-grade fever.

Question 35

What is radiation therapy, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Radiation therapy uses high doses of ionising radiation to damage the DNA within cancer cells, preventing their growth and division. It can be delivered externally (external beam) or internally (brachytherapy).

Question 36

What is a breast biopsy?

Accepted Answer

A breast biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of breast tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Question 37

What are the latest advancements in the treatment of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Palbociclib, Ribociclib, and Abemaciclib ( CD4-6 Inhibitor ) Everolimus( mTOR Inhibitor) are the latest advancements in hormone therapy for the treatment of breast cancer. 

Question 38

What is breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer is a condition when the breast's cells proliferate uncontrollably. It frequently starts in the ducts, the passageways that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple, or the cells of the lobules, the glands that produce milk. It can travel through lymphatic and blood channels outside of the breast.

Question 39

How long does a lymphadenectomy procedure take?

Accepted Answer

The duration varies based on the number of lymph nodes removed and the complexity of the surgery, typically ranging from 1 to 3 hours.

Question 40

What is a mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

A mastectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the breast tissue, usually done to treat or prevent breast cancer.

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of a lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of a lumpectomy is to remove malignant (cancerous) or suspicious areas within the breast while preserving as much of the breast tissue as possible. This procedure is often recommended for patients with early-stage breast cancer or other problematic breast conditions.

Question 42

Is Local Excision Painful?

Accepted Answer

To be specific, a wide local excision can cause:

Swelling
Short-term pain
Bruising at the surgical site

Generally, the patient is kept awake during the procedure but will not feel any pain. The surgeon cleans the excision site and administers a local anaesthetic.

Question 43

How should I prepare for the Whipple procedure?

Accepted Answer

Preparation includes undergoing various pre-surgical tests, discussing medications with your doctor, and following specific dietary and fasting instructions before surgery.

Question 44

Is RFA painful?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the procedure includes pain, but most of the patients tend to easily take it. You may also feel some pain and tenderness after the treatment, but it will go away in a few days.

Question 45

What are ADCs in cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

ADCs are modern-day pharmacological compounds that can treat several cancers with absolute effectiveness and targeting. Because they target only the specific cancer cells, they induce less toxicity and fewer side effects.

Question 46

How can cancer patients boost energy?

Accepted Answer

Staying hydrated and eating well can help maintain energy levels. If nausea or vomiting is an issue, consult your doctor. Moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, can also help preserve energy.

Question 47

What are the 4 stages of prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

The stages range from localized cancer in the prostate (Stage 1) to cancer that spreads to distant organs

Question 48

What are bone marrow disorders?

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow disorders are diseases that affect how the bone marrow produces blood cells. Examples include leukemia, anemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Question 49

How long does a PET scan take?

Accepted Answer

The duration of a PET scan usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but there are specific preparations that need to be made before the imaging process. Hence, you can expect to be in the PET imaging department for between 2 and 3 hours.

Question 50

Can I prevent hair loss from chemo naturally?

Accepted Answer

Hair loss prevention tips include scalp cooling systems like cold caps, along with gentle scalp care using natural oils.

Question 51

How is a brain tumor diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis involves a neurological exam, imaging (usually MRI for a brain tumor), and sometimes a brain biopsy procedure to confirm the tumor type.

Question 52

What are the common breast cancer treatments in India?

Accepted Answer

Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy tailored to the individual's stage and type of cancer.

Question 53

What is the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening?

Accepted Answer

Colorectal cancer screening should begin at 50 for women with average risk. However, women with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening earlier.

Question 54

Are there any risks with the test?

Accepted Answer

The test is very safe, involving minimal radiation exposure, less than a standard chest X-ray, with no side effects or downtime.

Question 55

Will I need a colostomy bag after colon cancer surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone needs a colostomy bag. It depends on the type of surgery and the location of the cancer. Some cases may require a temporary or permanent bag.

Question 56

What are the types of alternative treatments for cancer?

Accepted Answer

The alternative treatment is quite effective along with traditional treatment as it includes: acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, yoga, meditation, dietary changes, and exercise.

Question 57

How long does recovery from oesophageal cancer surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Recovery can vary, with a hospital stay of 7–10 days and up to 6–12 months to fully recuperate.

Question 58

What are the risk factors for esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Some things that can increase your chances of getting esophageal cancer are smoking, heavy drinking, acid reflux, obesity, being older than 50, having a family history of esophageal cancer, and having a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus.

Question 59

What percentage of Burkitt lymphoma patients survive?

Accepted Answer

The majority of Burkitt lymphoma patients who are diagnosed and get prompt treatment go into long-term remission or a cancer-free state. Compared to adults, kids are more likely to experience long-term remission.

Question 60

Is there an age limit for CAR-T therapy?

Accepted Answer

There is no strict age limit for CAR-T therapy. It is considered for both paediatric and adult patients with certain types of cancer, such as relapsed or refractory leukaemia and lymphoma. Eligibility is determined case-by-case, considering the patient's overall health and specific medical circumstances.

Question 61

What are the primary causes of laryngeal cancer?

Accepted Answer

The main causes of laryngeal cancer are smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Other risk factors include HPV infection, age (usually over 50), and occupational exposure to certain chemicals.

Question 62

Why do chemotherapy drugs cause side effects?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include not only cancer cells but also healthy cells in areas like the digestive tract, bone marrow, and hair follicles. This can lead to side effects as these healthy cells are also affected by the treatment.

Question 63

What are the risks and potential complications of lung cancer surgery?

Accepted Answer

Pain and discomfort, bleeding, infection, blood clots, pneumonia, and damage to surrounding tissues and organs are some of the potential complications of lung cancer surgery.

Question 64

What are the most common symptoms of GI cancer?

Accepted Answer

There may be no symptoms in the early stages of GI cancer. Symptoms are caused when usually the tumor has grown sufficiently big.They are usually diagnosed at this point. The symptoms may include:

Cramping or pain in the abdomen
Stool that is bloody or black colored
Changes in bowel habits especially recent change such as diarrhoea or constipation, or changes in stool consistency or narrowing
Swallowing Difficulties
Digestive issues
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Vomiting and nausea
The abdomen is swollen
Tiredness, weakness, weight loss, or appetite loss

Medical Oncology