Chemotherapy Topic Guide

Cancer is a common and deadly disease, and it's surrounded by myths. There are certain basics a patient needs to know when they're confronted with a cancer diagnosis; everything from clinical facts and practices to learning how to navigate the health insurance bureaucracy.

Pancreatic cancer is rare, but it is possible to treat it with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Still, success rates for any treatment are under 30 percent.

Stage IV melanoma, or metastatic melanoma, is cancer that has spread through the lymph nodes or bloodstream. Signs and symptoms of metastatic melanoma depend upon where the melanoma spreads. Read about treatment, survival rates, and prognosis.

Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells of the blood. Symptoms include early osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, hyperviscosity of the blood, low red and white blood cell counts, low platelet count, cryoglobulinemia, and amyloidosis. Tests to diagnose multiple myeloma include blood and urine tests, bone marrow examination, X-rays, MRIs, PET scans, and regular monitoring. Multiple myeloma treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, medications, and stem cell transplantation. Life expectancy for multiple myeloma is a 30% five-year survival rate.

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Screening includes a digital rectal examination, PSA, and urinalysis. Treatment depends upon age, the patient's medical condition, and whether the tumor has metastasized. Risk factors for prostate cancer include advanced age, race, family history, infection with STDs, high-fat diet, and chemical exposure.