Introduction
Cancer is a threatening condition that affects millions of lives worldwide. The cancer treatment journey involves various treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc. While these treatments help to eradicate the disease, the side effects of these treatments can be devastating, along with many mental and physical challenges such as changes to the skin, hair loss, and, in some cases, loss of body parts or function. Amputations and other surgical interventions can significantly impact an individual's emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. So, people undergoing such cancer treatment need extra care and prostheses to feel better about themselves.
What Are Prostheses?
A prosthesis is a man-made substitute for a body part missing at birth, lost in an accident, or when a part of the body is removed during cancer treatment. Its main function is to restore lost body parts and its functions, improving cancer patients' overall quality of life. Recent technologies have made facial, hand, and foot prostheses look realistic and natural. Initially, the prosthesis was used to improve appearance rather than function. But recently, researchers have developed more functional prostheses, including hands with moving fingers.
What Are the Different Types of Prostheses Used After Cancer Treatment?
Cranial Prosthesis - It is also called a hair prosthesis (customized wig). It is specially designed for patients who have lost hair due to cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or medical conditions. It helps to cover the areas of hair loss or where the hair is less dense. The hair strands for the prosthesis are collected from individuals, from small groups, or are made of synthetic hair, and then the hair strands are attached with a fine film or fabric that represents the human skin.
Limb Prostheses - Some type of cancer, such as osteosarcoma or soft tissue sarcomas, requires amputation (removal of a body part) of a limb (leg, arm, hand, foot). The type of prosthesis may depend on factors like the stage, type, and location of the cancer and the patient's lifestyle and preferences.
Modern limb prostheses are lightweight, allowing patients to regain a high degree of mobility and function. The use of materials like carbon fiber and advanced silicone has made the use of prosthetic limbs more comfortable and reactive. Myoelectric prostheses have revolutionized the field by using muscle signals to control movements of the limbs; this will help improve the quality of life for many amputees.
Breast Prostheses - Breast prosthesis have improved in terms of aesthetics and comfort. There are different types of prostheses, such as soft breast prosthesis, three-layer breast prosthesis, partial breast prosthesis, lightweight breast prosthesis, attachable or contact breast prosthesis, and adjustable breast prosthesis; patients can choose the suitable one. Modern breast prostheses are soft and lightweight and closely resemble the appearance and texture of natural breasts. Some breast prostheses can even be worn in swimwear and activewear, promoting a confident lifestyle for breast cancer survivors.
Facial Prostheses - Facial prostheses are also called maxillofacial prostheses; they are tailored to restore the missing features of the face. In cases of head and neck cancers, patients may lose some parts of their face, such as the eyes, nose, or ear. So, these prostheses will help restore the missing features, which are made of medical-grade silicone rubber and are customized to suit the fit and appearance of the patient. Facial prosthesis is crafted to be highly realistic to ensure natural appearance and facial symmetry. They are processed by making an impression of the area and fabricating the prosthesis in a laboratory. The procedure requires five to seven office visits to complete.
Tracheoesophageal Voice Prostheses - These prostheses are very beneficial for patients who have undergone laryngectomy (removal of the larynx) due to throat cancer. These devices help the patient regain their ability to speak. This device helps to allow airflow from the trachea to the esophagus to produce sound.
Bone Prostheses - In some cases of bone cancer, removing the affected bone is essential to get effective results. Bone prostheses are a synthetic, inorganic, or organic combination designed to replace the missing bone and provide stability and function. These bone prostheses integrate with the patient's natural bone over time.
How Do Prosthetics Work?
There are three differently powered prosthesis types.
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Body Powered - This type of prosthetic is controlled by the body. They work in a cable system; the cable may be connected to large muscles to help the movement of the prosthesis.
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Motor-Powered - These prosthetics have a switch to control the action. For instance, a prosthetic hand may have a specific switch to help move the wrists and fingers for gripping objects.
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Myoelectric Powered - This new technology allows electrodes on the skin to collect electrical signals from muscle contractions, interpret those signals, and initiate movements in the prosthetic limb.
How Is a Prosthesis Helpful for a Cancer Patient?
Prosthetic impact on cancer patients' emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. The benefits of prostheses are:
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Prosthetic limbs restore the mobility and function of patients who have undergone amputation. This aids in daily activities like walking, hobbies like swimming, and even pursuing active lifestyles.
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Prosthetic devices, like facial prostheses, help cancer survivors regain confidence and a sense of normalcy in their appearance. They also help to improve body image, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
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The tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis is essential in restoring speaking ability for laryngectomy patients. This not only helps in enabling communication but also reduces psychological distress caused due to loss of speech.
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Using prosthetic devices will reduce the isolation of the cancer survivors. These devices provide them the confidence to participate in social activities and interact with others.
Conclusion
Prosthetic devices enhance the lives of cancer survivors who have lost their body parts. These devices help restore physical function and empower the mental and psychological well-being of those who have battled cancer. With recent advancements, prostheses are used for enhanced appearance and high functional aspects. The oncology prosthetics field has been improving in recent years, ensuring that cancer survivors can move confidently.
