What Are The Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment?
Many patients diagnosed with cancer often have concerns about the side effects of cancer treatments. And, when it comes to seeking professional help for the treatment of this condition, there are those who tend to document themselves with information found on the internet.
After exploring the available information, questions arise such as, what are the side effects of cancer treatment? Well, to answer this question, it is important to note that cancer is a term used to refer to a group of diseases.
Although all can meet common characteristics, most have their own mechanisms of origin and proliferation in our body. These differences cause the need to create treatments that are better adapted to each of the types of cancer.
There are varieties of cancer treatments, but for the purposes of this article we will mention the following:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
Side Effects of Cancer Surgery
Although most of the side effects that result from surgery are associated with the organ in which it was performed, and the modality by which it was performed, we can point out some side effects associated with all types of surgery.
Pain
It is common to feel pain in the part of the body where the surgery was performed. The intensity of the pain will depend on the extent of the surgery, the part of the body where it was performed and the person’s sensitivity to painful stimuli. The pain can be controlled with pain relievers prescribed by the doctor.
Wound infection
The surgery involves cuts on our skin. These wounds can serve as a gateway to microorganisms that are harmful to our health. Infections usually happen within the first few days after surgery.
During the infection we can find inflammation, pain and redness of the area where the wound is located. It may be accompanied by suppuration and fever. It is important to consult a doctor in case of presenting any of the indicated symptoms.
Side effects of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is associated with an extensive list of side effects. Below we discuss the most common.
Anemia
The vast majority of chemotherapeutic agents adversely affect the bone marrow. This causes changes in the patient’s cell production.
Nausea and vomiting
It is the most common side effect of chemotherapy, affecting 80% of people who undergo this treatment.
Changes in bowel rhythm
Chemotherapy causes changes at the level of our body. The changes can be manifested at the intestinal level. Depending on the drug used, it can cause diarrhea or constipation.
Hair loss
Contrary to popular belief, hair loss during chemotherapy will depend on the drug used. This side effect is very different from person to person.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy has side effects in relation to the volume of radiation received. Therefore, the adverse reactions will be confined to the irradiation fields. It will also be related to the dose received and its fractionation, concomitant treatments and the susceptibility of the recipient.
As we already mentioned, the side effects will depend on where the radiation is received. Fatigue is present in almost all cases, as well as irritation of the skin that covers the irradiated part of the body. If you receive radiation to your abdomen, you may experience changes in your bowel movement, as well as nausea and vomiting.
What should we remember about the side effects of cancer treatment?
Side effects vary depending on the treatment and the idiosyncrasy of the person receiving it. There are many treatments for cancer, but the most common are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Depending on the place, intensity and type of cancer we have, the side effects will be different. We must consult the doctor in case of having doubts or being concerned about any symptoms that we are presenting.
