CHEMO-THERAPY Meaning and
Definition
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Chemotherapy is a medical treatment approach that involves the use of various drugs to combat cancer. It is specifically designed to target and destroy cancerous cells within the body. The term "chemo" is derived from the chemical substances or drugs used in this therapeutic technique.
Chemo-therapy can be administered through different methods, including oral medications, injections, or intravenous infusion. The drugs used in chemotherapy are chosen based on the specific type of cancer being treated and the patient's overall health condition. These drugs effectively target rapidly dividing cells, which is one of the key characteristics of cancerous cells. While chemotherapy primarily targets cancer cells, it can also harm and affect healthy cells that divide rapidly, such as those of the hair follicles, bone marrow, and digestive system.
The purpose of chemotherapy is to stop or slow down cancer cell growth, shrink tumors, and eliminate cancer cells that might have spread to other parts of the body. It may be used as the primary treatment for certain types of cancer, or it can be combined with other treatment methods such as surgery or radiation therapy. The treatment plan and duration of chemotherapy depend on various factors, including the stage of cancer, the overall health of the patient, and the specific goals of treatment.
Overall, chemotherapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment and aims to improve the patient's prognosis, alleviate symptoms, and potentially achieve remission or control the progression of the disease.
Common Misspellings for CHEMO-THERAPY
- chemo-0therapy
- chemo-ptherapy
- chemo--therapy
- chemomtherapy
Etymology of CHEMO-THERAPY
The word "chemo-therapy" has its etymology rooted in two Greek words: "chemo" and "therapia".
The prefix "chemo" (χημία in Greek) originates from the word "khēmeia", which means "art of transmuting metals". It was later used to refer to chemistry and the process of chemical changes in general. In the context of "chemo-therapy", it relates to the use of chemicals to treat diseases.
The word "therapia" (θεραπία in Greek) means "healing" or "curing". It comes from the Greek verb "therapeuo", which means "to treat medically" or "to serve". In the case of "chemo-therapy", it refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders.
