Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells. Normal cells grow and die in a controlled fashion. Cancer cells, on the other hand, continue to form and reproduce abnormally. Chemotherapy works to stop cancer cells from multiplying.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemotherapy-and-you/page2

The drugs used during chemotherapy are called anti-cancer drugs. These medications inhibit cancerous cells from living and multiplying in their needed environment. Unfortunately, the treatment can also destroy healthy cells. This usually causes multiple side effects, since important cells are being damaged. Upon completion of chemotherapy, damaged cells may be able to repair themselves.http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/TreatmentTypes/Chemotherapy/ChemotherapyPrinciplesAnIn-depthDiscussionoftheTechniquesanditsRoleinTreatment/chemotherapy-principles-chemo-side-effects

Chemotherapy may be used to cure, control, or ease symptoms of the many forms of cancer, depending on how advanced the disease is. While sometimes it is used on its own, chemotherapy is often administered in conjunction with surgery, radiation therapy or biological therapy.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemotherapy-and-you/page2

As with any medication or drug treatment, there are side effects that may occur with use. For a more detailed description of chemotherapy side effects and how this may affect you uniquely, consult your physician. Some of the most common side effects found in chemotherapy patients are:http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/TreatmentTypes/Chemotherapy/ChemotherapyPrinciplesAnIn-depthDiscussionoftheTechniquesanditsRoleinTreatment/index?

• Anemia
• Change in appetite
• Abnormal bleeding
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Flu like symptoms
• Nausea
• Fluid retention

The perception of chemotherapy treatments has been one with a long standing image of being strewn with side effects and discomfort. However, there have been several improvements not only to the medications used, but also to the way in which these side effects may be treated. For questions concerning chemotherapy and how these side effects may relate to you, it is important to consult your physician or oncologist and express your concerns with them.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.