Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Appendix Cancer

Appendix cancer is a rare form of carcinoma and occurs when malignant abnormal cells found in the gland reproduce, overwhelm and destroy healthy cells. The appendix is located at the base right side of the large intestine, and its physiological purpose is still unknown to medical professionals. Appendix cancer is most commonly treated with chemotherapy, an intravenous course of treatment that delivers concentrated levels of potent medication directly into the bloodstream.

Nerve Damage

• One of the characteristic side effects of appendix cancer chemotherapy is nerve damage in the hands, feet and neck that produce a tingling sensation. This symptom is particularly common with individuals being treated with Eloxatin.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea commonly occurs as a side effect for appendix cancer chemotherapy, especially associated with the drug Camptosar.

Sores and Skin Change

• The chemotherapy drug Flourocil is used often to treat appendix cancer, and can cause skin tone alteration or darkening, along with mouth sores and disruption of normal taste.

Increased Risk for Infection

• All chemotherapy drugs for appendix cancer decrease white blood cell counts, making increased susceptibility to infection a typical side effect.

Anemia

• Anemia is also a side effect of chemotherapy for appendix cancer due to lowered red blood cell production.