What Are the Systemic Effects of Cancer?

The systemic effects of cancer are the general effects the cancer has on the various body systems.

Weight Loss

• Cachexia is the term used for severe tissue wasting and resulting weight loss that occurs as a result of the altered protein and carbohydrate metabolism caused by the malignancy.

Bleeding

• Bleeding can occur due to the tumor cells' erosion of blood vessels or ulceration of tissues. Also, bone marrow depression can contribute to poor clotting. Chronic blood loss leads to anemia.

Anemia

• Anemia, or decreased hemoglobin, commonly occurs as a result of anorexia, loss of appetite, chronic bleeding or bone marrow depression. Anemia reduces the oxygen available to cells, which leads to fatigue, poor tissue regeneration and weakness.

Infections

• Infections, such as pneumonia, frequently occur due to tissue breakdown which lessens the effectiveness of the immune system.

Paraneoplastic Syndromes

• Sometimes tumors release substances that affect the body's neurological function, blood clotting or hormonal activities. These can confuse the diagnosis and complicate the monitoring of the condition.