Alternative Treatments for Bile Duct Cancer
There are two types of bile duct cancer. The most common non-invasive type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCS) which means cancer cells are contained to the milk ducts of the breast. It has a greater chance of recovery and reduced recurrence than other breast cancers.
The other form of bile duct cancer is IDC, invasive duct carcinoma. It is the most invasive breast cancer and accounts for 80 percent of the cases found each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Alternative treatments for bile duct cancer include complimentary and holistic medicine. Many patients use the alternative treatments when traditional medicine has not worked, side effect symptoms from traditional treatments are debilitating and recurrence prevention.
Complementary and Holistic Treatments
Common treatments for bile duct breast cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted and hormone treatments. Research has found that the best initial treatments are the more traditional ones. After the surgery and after the chemotherapy; alternative treatments take their place in reducing treatment side effects, and prevention.
Alternative treatments for bile duct cancer include holistic and complementary treatments. The purpose of complementary treatments is to treat the whole person. Research has shown that some of the complementary treatments benefit patients by increasing immune responses to illness and preventing recurrence of the disease.
Acupuncture benefit claims include reducing nausea, hot flashes, pain and fatigue. Research shows that acupuncture is more effective than some nausea drugs, such as Zofran, according to a study conducted by Duke University. It has also shown fatigue reduction as proven by a 2004 study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A study conducted in France showed a 36 percent decrease in pain over 2 percent with pain killing drugs.
Yoga is a common stress reliever and it can reduce anxiety associated with breast cancer. An Anderson Cancer Center study in 2006 showed that a group of cancer patients receiving six weeks of radiation treatment that participated in yoga compared to another group not participating, reported less fatigue, better physical functioning and an overall feeling of a better quality of life.
Guided imagery as an alternative treatment for bile duct cancer is a proven alternative to some drugs that numb the body of pain and well being. Guided imagery teaches the patient to visualize positive places to enjoy and targets the cancer spot by feeling the warmth of a heat lamp and seeing cancer-eating cells destroying the cancer in the body. A 2005 study in Korea showed that a group receiving guided imagery experienced a higher immune system response, less pain and better sense of well being than the group not receiving the treatment.
Spirituality and prayer is an alternative treatment that has proven to give patients a greater sense of well being and a stronger desire to live. The Breast Cancer Organization reports that examination of 43 studies on advanced cancer patients showed a greater ability to deal with the disease and patients reported less depression than those not using the alternative treatment.
Alternative treatments for bile duct cancer include less traditional methods that have proven to promote better health by increasing the immune system, drawing a holistic approach to treatment that considers the well being of the body, mind and soul. Studies have shown that alternative methods can help people live longer and feel better over certain drug treatments. Before starting an alternative program speak to your doctor and be sure the certified professionals conduct the treatments.
References
BreastCancer.org: Treatment for DCIS
https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/dcis/treatment.jsp
Center for Disease Control: Breast Cancer Treatments
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/treatment.htm
