Learn About the Types of CancerIf you or a loved one is seeking radiation treatment for cancer in Ventura County, Radiation Oncology Centers of Ventura County offers the most current technology and a knowledgeable, compassionate team. Drs. Timothy O’Connor and Henry Montes bring state-of-the-art expertise and seasoned experience to the Centers. You can receive the same treatment available at UCLA Medical Center closer to home in Ventura County at our Oxnard and Camarillo locations. Call one of our offices today for a consultation. Brain CancerA brain tumor can be either cancerous or noncancerous, and can begin in the brain or spread to the brain from another part of the body. Unlike most other cancers, causes are largely unknown. Symptoms may include changes in vision, hearing or sensation, headaches, seizures, lack of coordination or memory loss. Radiation treatments for brain cancer include IMRT and stereotactic radiosurgery. Breast CancerRegular breast self-exams and mammograms are the best way to check for breast cancer and diagnose it in the early stages, creating the best likely outcome. Breast and underarm lumps should be checked immediately, as well as any signs of swelling, discoloration, skin thickening or nipple discharge. Your doctor may do a biopsy or remove the lump to check it for cancer. If cancer is found, treatment will most likely include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Age is the most common risk factor, as 75 percent of women with breast cancer are 50+. Family history and hormone replacement therapy are other factors to consider. Colorectal CancerColorectal cancer can occur in the upper or lower colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer can occur at any age, but is most common in men and women over 50. Risk factors include a high-fat diet, a history of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis or Chrohn’s Disease. The most common test to check for colon cancer is the colonoscopy. Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, bloody bowel movements or a change in bowel frequency, weight loss, fatigue or anemia. Treatment usually includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Gynecological CancerGynecologic cancers include cancer of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, vulva and Fallopian tubes, with uterine cancer being the most common. The pelvic exam and Pap test allow doctors to find pre-cancerous changes in the cervix and vagina. Risk factors include family history, sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, obesity and never having been pregnant. The most common symptoms are unusual bleeding, a genital sore that doesn’t heal, pelvic pain or pressure, and persistent vaginal discharge. Some gynecological cancers can be healed with one type of treatment, and other cases are best treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Head and Neck CancerHead and neck cancer includes of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and thyroid. Nearly 75 percent of people with oral cancer are smokers. Risk is higher for men than women, especially men 50+. Symptoms can include sore throat, difficulty or pain with swallowing, hoarseness, stuffiness, ear pain or a neck lump. The most common treatments are surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Because organ preservation is important, often radiation and chemotherapy are used first, allowing for less extensive or no surgery. More Lung CancerThe greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer is smoking. Other factors include exposure to second-hand smoke, radon, air pollution, asbestos and some organic chemicals. Symptoms can include chest pain, persistent cough, coughing blood, and/or shortness of breath. Small cell lung cancer grows more rapidly than non-small cell lung cancer and is more likely to spread to other organs. Lung cancer is often treated with chemotherapy and radiation, either concurrently or one after the other. More Prostate CancerProstate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and the risk increases with age. African-American men have the highest occurrence of prostate cancer worldwide. The American Cancer Society recommends a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a PSA blood test for men 50+, and younger for men with a family history of prostate cancer. Symptoms can include frequent nighttime urination, changes in or pain with urinary flow or blood in the urine. Prostate cancer is most often treated with hormone therapy, external beam radiation and/or Brachytherapy (seed implantation). Skin CancerRisk factors for developing skin cancer include sun exposure, having fair skin, moles, family history and immune system suppression. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Most skin cancers can be cured if caught and treated early. It’s important to check your own skin every month, every three years for people under 40 and annually for people 40+. Look for new marks or moles, or changes in existing moles. Skin cancer treatment can include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and/or photodynamic therapy. more |