Using drugs to destroy cancer cells within the human body is a type of cancer treatment called chemotherapy (chemo). Chemotherapeutic drugs can be given orally, intravenously (IV) or by an injection and work by targeting and destroying cells that grow rapidly, such as tumor cells. This type of cancer treatment can also result in the death of healthy cells within the body, leading to the emergence of some of the common side effects of chemo.
Stomach Upset
One of the common side effects associated with chemo treatment is an upset stomach, explain health professionals at the National Cancer Institute. Nausea and vomiting are the primary symptoms of stomach upset and can be uncomfortable. Certain patients also experience bowel movement changes, such as constipation or diarrhea, which can contribute to additional side effects of abdominal cramping, bloating or discomfort. In combination, these stomach-related chemo side effects can lead to a loss of appetite or weight loss in patients receiving this form of cancer treatment. Additional medications can be utilized to help patients manage symptoms of nausea and vomiting resulting from chemo.
Hair Loss
Patients receiving chemo can experience temporary hair loss as a side effect of treatment. Chemo drugs target fast-growing cells, which include the cells within the hair follicles, explain health officials at the Better Health Channel, a health information website established by the Australian government. Consequently, chemo patients can lose some or all of the hair on the scalp--a condition referred to as alopecia. The hair loss will resolve once treatment is over.
Mouth Sores
During treatment with chemo, cancer patients can develop oral side effects, explains the National Cancer Institute. Chemo can cause mouth sores or ulcers to develop along the gums, tongue, lips or inside the cheeks of certain patients. These mouth lesions can be painful and may contribute to appetite loss side effects. Patients receiving chemo can also be at an increased risk of developing recurrent mouth infections, warns the Better Health Channel.
Fatigue and Body Pain
Severe fatigue is a common side effect of chemo, explain medical professionals at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. Patients receiving chemo can have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning or may sleep for long periods of time during the day. Sensations of pain throughout the body can also arise in certain chemo patients, explains Medline Plus, a medical information website provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Painful chemo side effects can develop within the muscle, joints or bones and can contribute to increased fatigue in certain patients.
