Cancer cells grow fast and get
multiples quickly than normal cells in human body. These fast growing cells are
killed using drugs and this treatment is known as chemotherapy. Different type
of drugs is available for chemo and they are used either separately or in
combination with others according to the need of the individual patients.
Chemotherapy has been found to be very efficient in treating the different
types of cancer, but it has got some side effects and risk factors which have
to be faced by the patients.
What is done?
Chemotherapy can be used in different
settings depending upon the individual needs. Some of them are explained below.
1. To
cure cancer: In some cases only chemotherapy can be used for curing cancer
completely.
2. Chemotherapy
after surgery: Chemotherapy can be used after surgical removal of cancerous
cells to remove the hidden cells of cancer still present in the body.
3. As
a preparatory step: In some cases chemotherapy is done to shrink the cancerous
cells so that radiation therapy and surgery
can be carried out easily. Doctors refer such treatment as neoadjuvent therapy.
4. To
relieve symptoms: Sometimes chemotherapy is used to relieve the patient from
cancer symptoms. Such treatment is known as palliative chemotherapy.
5. Chemotherapy
for other conditions: Some chemotherapy drugs have been found to be useful for
other conditions like bone marrow diseases and immune system disorders. So chemotherapy
is done in such cases also.
Risks
Chemotherapy drugs has different side effects. Some of the common side effects
are furnished below. For detailed understanding of side effect of a particular drug contact your doctor.
·
Vomiting
·
Nosea
·
Hair loss
·
Diarrhea
·
Fatigue
·
Loss of appetite
·
Fever
·
Pain
·
Mouth sours
·
Bruising
·
Constipation
Almost all of these
side effects are treatable and preventable. These side effects subside as the therapy
ends.
Side effects
that comes later and last longer
Some
chemotherapy side effects appear very late and last for more than six months
after the treatment is over. They are
Hear problems
Damage to lungs
Infertility
Nerve damage
Kidney problems
Risk of second
cancer
More details about these side effects can be
collected from your doctor.
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