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The Benefits of Hyperthermia on Cancer

By Autumn Lockwood

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 25Apr2011 Word count: 1911 Viewed: 131 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

The concept of using heat to treat tumors has actually been around since ancient times. However, in recent years the concept of using heat to treat cancer has been researched and studied in-depth by researchers, oncologists and doctors. When used alone, or in combination with other cancer therapies, hyperthermia has been shown to weaken and even kill cancer cells. Hyperthermia works on the principle that tumor cells are not able to tolerate heat in the same way that normal body cells can. As a result, by using heat the cancer cells can be attacked while leaving the normal body cells unscathed.

Types of Treatable Tumors

Hyperthermia can be used to treat a variety of different cancers, including squamous cell, lymphoma, basal cell, melanoma, carcinoma, and sarcoma. It can be used for tumors that are located in many different areas of the body, including the breast, head and neck, prostate, skin, throat, thyroid and bone. Depending on the location and variety of cancer cells, hyperthermia can be applied in a variety of ways. Heat can be applied externally when the cancer cells exist in the skin, or close beneath it. However, for cancer cells that are deeper within the body, the heat is generally applied by using a sterile probe. In some cases, especially when the cancer has spread throughout the body, whole body methods of hyperthermia are utilized.

Combining Hyperthermia with other Therapies

Although hyperthermia is sometimes used on its own to directly weaken or kill cancer cells, it is frequently combined with other cancer therapies to enhance their effect. For example, hyperthermia is often combined with low dose radiation treatments. When combined, these therapies can have a greater success rate against cancer than when either treatment is used alone. By using hyperthermia, the cancer cells are weakened, making them more susceptible to the effects of the radiation treatment. Additionally, the application of heat helps to improve blood circulation in the area of the tumor, which can also make other forms of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy more effective. In some ways, hyperthermia can be compared to the way the body naturally tries to defend itself with high fevers.

Minimal Side Effects

Because hyperthermia uses a low level of heat, generally within the range of 108 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, there are actually very few serious side effects when it is used. Although there can be some reddening of the skin, blistering or irritation, these side effects are generally well tolerated by patients. In fact, many patients find that hyperthermia treatments actually help reduce the pain associated with cancer, resulting in higher energy levels and an improved quality of life.

The Future of Hyperthermia

Thanks to the research and hard work of oncologists and doctors, the future of hyperthermia appears bright. Clinical trials, studies and research continue, resulting in even more widespread use of this alternative therapy in the fight against cancer.

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