Chemotherapy side effects on the Body

1. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a category of cancer treatment that uses chemical substances, especially one or more anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapeutic agents) that are given as part of a standardized chemotherapy regimen. Chemotherapy may be given with a curative intent, or it may aim to prolong life or to reduce symptoms (palliative chemotherapy). Along with hormonal therapy and targeted therapy, it is one of the major categories of medical oncology (pharmacotherapy for cancer). These modalities are often used in conjunction with other cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, surgery, and/or hyperthermia therapy. Some chemotherapy drugs are also used to treat other conditions, including AL amyloidosis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

2. Chemotherapy in the Body Chemotherapy Side Effects on the Body Cancer cells divide more quickly than healthy cells, and chemotherapy drugs effectively target those cells. Unfortunately, fast-growing cells that are healthy can be damaged too. There are many different chemotherapy drugs with the potential for many different side effects. These effects vary from person to person and from treatment to treatment. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

3. Chemotherapy in the Body Chemotherapy in the Body Chemotherapy can interfere with the body's ability to Produce Healthy Blood platelets, redblood cells and white blood cells. Low blood cells, Low blood counts can lead to a variety of serious side effects. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

4. Chemotherapy in the Body Chemotherapy and the Heart Chemotherapy can weaken the heart muscle, especially in someone who has a preexisting heart condition. Chemotherapy side effects may increase the risk of heart disease, including weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). Certain types of chemotherapy also may increase the risk of heart attack. Treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors and certain other targeted medications has been linked to high blood pressure (hypertension). Fortunately, heart disease associated with chemotherapy is rare — and not all chemotherapy drugs carry the potential side effect of heart damage. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

5. Chemotherapy in the Body Digestive Distress Cancer drugs can have various effects on your digestive system. Some drugs can affect your appetite, or cause diarrhoea or constipation. Some of them may make you more likely to have heartburn (indigestion). Other digestive issues include loose stools or diarrhea. In some people, hard stools and constipation can be a problem. This may be accompanied by pressure, bloating, and gas. Take care to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.Side effects involving the digestive system can contribute to loss of appetite and feeling full even though you haven’t eaten much. Weight loss and general weakness are common. Despite all this, it’s important to continue eating healthy foods. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

6. Balding Chemotherapy in the Body The Signature Side Effects Its not cancer that causes baldheadedness is cancer patients. Its the Chemotherapy. Some forms of chemo damage the hair follicles, so you might lose all your body hair. hair loss (alopecia) due to chemotherapy is one of the most distressing side effects of chemo treatments. Hair loss happens because the chemotherapy affects all cells in the body, not just the cancer cells. The lining of the mouth, stomach, and the hair follicles are especially sensitive because those cells multiply rapidly just like the cancer cells. The difference is that the normal cells will repair themselves, making these side effects temporary. Hair loss can be sudden or slow. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

7. Chemo's Long-Term Effect on Bones A Long Term side effect of Chemotherapy is cancer related osteoporosis. Cancer survivors who received chemotherapy, steroid medications, or hormonal therapy, particularly those who are not physically active, may develop thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) or joint pain. Early menopause can also affect bone health. Menopause can cause a loss of bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis). And, some women who go through menopause have muscle or joint aches. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

8. Anxiety and Depression Chemotherapy and Its side effects add to the stresses of everyday life and can become overwhelming. Complementary therapies and support groups can lighten the load. Depression may also be known as sadness, feeling "down," despair, or hopelessness. Depression and its side effects affect both men and women. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

9. Chemo in the kidneys The kidneys work to excrete the powerful chemotherapy drugs as they move through your body. In the process, some kidney and bladder cells can become irritated or damaged. Symptoms of kidney damage include decreased urination, swelling of the hands and feet (edema), and headache. Symptoms of bladder irritation include a feeling of burning when urinating and increased urinary frequency. Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the kidneys (nephrotoxicity). The kidneys break down and remove many chemotherapy drugs from the body. When chemotherapy drugs break down, they make products that can damage cells in the kidneys, ureters and bladder. The potential for kidney damage varies with the type of chemotherapy drug used. Medical We SRCH medical.wesrch.com

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