Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

VHL is a rare genetic disorder marked by an increased risk of developing benign tumors in the brain, spine, retina, and adrenal gland, and cancerous tumors in the kidney.

Surgery to Treat Cancer

One type of surgery for cancer is curative. This procedure takes out the cancerous tumor or growth from the body. Surgeons use curative surgery when the cancerous tumor is in 1 certain part of the body. This type of treatment is often the main treatment. But other types of cancer treatments, such as radiation, may be used before or after the surgery.

Palliative Care for People with Cancer

Palliative care can be provided in the hospital, at home, or in a setting specializing in such care. It may be long-term over several years, or short-term, lasting days or weeks. Palliative care may include chemotherapy or radiation for pain control.

Your Skin and Nails and Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can affect both the skin and nails. It may cause an increased sensitivity to the sun as well as redness, rashes, itching, peeling, dryness, or acne. Nails may become darkened, yellow, brittle, or cracked, and may also develop vertical lines or ridges.

Preparing for Cancer Treatment

The first step in preparing for your cancer treatment is to find an oncologist and treatment center. Ask your general or primary healthcare provider for a referral or contact government and professional medical organizations, such as your state's health department, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Medical Association, for information on cancer specialists and treatment centers in your area.

Physical Exercise for Cancer

Exercise offers benefits for many people with cancer. Read on to learn how physical activity may help you, what safety steps to take, exercise tips for cancer survivors, and more.

Pain and Chemotherapy

The goal of pain control is to prevent pain that can be prevented, and to treat pain that cannot be prevented. It is possible that you will not have pain from chemotherapy treatments. But if you do, you can take steps to relieve it.