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Damaging Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, one of the most common treatments for malignant cancer, utilizes cytotoxic chemicals, either by injection, by swallowing or by rubbing them on the patient to kill deadly cancer cells. Unfortunately, these chemicals are harsh and physically demanding, resulting in numerous side effects. While some side effects of chemotherapy are temporary and annoying, others are damaging and debilitating.

  1. Temporary

    • Hair loss is common among chemotherapy patients, but other temporary side effects are more damaging to the body. According to MayoClinic.com, patients undergoing chemotherapy are more likely to develop bleeding disorders and mouth sores. Esophagitis (painful swallowing) may occur, as well as an increased risk of infections.

    Organs

    • Unfortunately, organs are susceptible to damage from heavy chemotherapy cycles. Depending upon the type and stage of the cancer in the body, the physician will develop a chemotherapy regimen that involves a period of treatment and then a period of recuperation. Some patients will undergo repeated cycles of chemotherapy. The risk of damage to the lungs, the heart and the liver increase as the length of the chemotherapy cycle increases.

    Nervous System

    • Chemotherapy kills cancer cells. Regrettably, it also kills some of the body's healthy cells. The nervous system controls the brain and the spinal cord. Confusion is common, along with a headache and a sore neck. Some side effects are temporary, but the American Cancer Society notes that some conditions, including personality changes, cognitive impairment and loss of sensation in the extremities may be long-term or permanent because of nervous system cellular damage.

    Blood

    • During a chemotherapy cycle, the patient's blood is regularly tested to determine the white blood count (WBC), red blood count (RBC) and the number of platelets in the patient's blood. When these blood cells are in balance, they fight off infection and provide nourishment to the rest of the body. During chemotherapy, a patient's blood is tested regularly. When the WBC, platelet count or RBC is greatly altered, the patient is at an increased risk of dangerous infections and malnourishment.

    Cancer

    • While chemotherapy treats some cancers, it may make the patient more susceptible to other cancers. Chemo patients are more likely to develop leukemia, another form of cancer; and the American Cancer Society estimates that up to ten percent of all leukemia cases are caused by chemotherapy treatments.

    Care

    • All new side effects should be immediately reported to the chemotherapy patient's physician. In addition, ongoing side effects that suddenly worsen should instigate a call to the doctor. Chemotherapy is a delicate balance of using just enough medication to kill the cancer while trying to minimize the damaging side effects.

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