oncology

Initially during the first detailed conversation our goal is to determine not only new symptoms but also the general health condition.

In order for us to be able to discuss various therapy options and to provide information about the forecast, first of all, the exact type of tumor must be determined. This happens using minimally invasive techniques, such as puncture (fine-needle aspiration) or a tissue sample (biopsy) of skin nodes or modified organs. Using the subsequent microscopic examination of cells obtained thereby (cytology), we can determine both the cell origin of growth and also the degree of severity of the disease (benignity or malignancy).

During the following examination steps using X-ray and ultrasound we determine the stage of the disease (staging). In specific cases the computer tomography (CT)or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) can provide even more detailed information.

The operation is often the most important step in tumor therapy. In order to be able to guarantee the complete removal of the tumor, it is essential, first of all, to determine the spread of the tumor so that we can optimally plan its subsequent surgical removal. Only after the complete removal of the tumor can a relapse (the tumor grows again) be avoided.
Tumors that tend to building metastases require additionally (adjuvant) a chemotherapeutic treatment. Other types of cancer occur as systemic disease in the whole body. In this case chemotherapy is the only (primary) therapy.

The chemotherapeutic treatment is performed using the same medicines (chemotherapeutic agents, cytostatic agents, tyrosine kinase inhibitors) but as with humans the treatment depends significantly on the goals thereof. In animal medicine, the improvement or the maintenance of the quality of life is the main goal of the therapy at any moment. Chemotherapy protocols are selected and individually suited so that the risk of adverse reactions is kept as low as possible and that our patients feel good during this time.

If a cancer disease has already progressed extensively, the goal of the therapy is the palliative care. With the help of inhibition of the formation of blood vessels (neoangiogenesis using COX inhibition), influence on the immune system (immunomodulation) through metronomic chemotherapy, various approaches to pain management and symptomatic support, the tumor growth can be restricted. Concomitant symptoms induced by the tumor are palliated.

Dr. K. Winger Dr. K. Thomann Dr. P. Himmelsbach