Chemotherapy targets cancer cells by damaging and killing them. This is done in several different ways depending on the type of chemotherapy used. Though the ultimate goal of chemotherapy is cancer cell death, it also damages and kills normal cells as well. This results in side effects from chemotherapy. The most commonly affected cells in the body include those in the bone marrow, mouth, gastrointestinal tract and hair follicles.
Mouth Sores
Ulcerations or sores in the mouth are common with certain chemotherapy agents. According to the American Cancer Society, these sores typically occur five to 14 days after chemotherapy administration. They can be extremely painful and lead to infections in the mouth. Ice chips may be given during chemotherapy to reduce the risk of developing mouth sores and to possibly limit the extent the drug damages mouth cells. If sores do occur, mouth rinses to reduce pain are prescribed. Oral pain medications and antibiotic treatments reduce pain and infection that accompany mouth sores.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting occur due to damage of the lining of the stomach and/or intestines. The American Cancer Society states that this damage affects receptors in the brain that cause vomiting. Several anti-nausea medications are available to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. Anti-nausea medications administered before chemotherapy can prevent nausea/vomiting. In some cases when nausea persists, anti-nausea medications administered after chemotherapy may be effective. Relaxation, eating several small meals and eliminating odors from food also help to decrease nausea and vomiting.
Lowered Blood Counts
As a result of bone marrow suppression, red/white blood cells and platelets are killed resulting in anemia, lowered immune system and risk for bleeding/bruising. To combat both low white and red blood cell counts, patients take injections of medications that boost new production of the these cells. Patients should monitor signs of bleeding as a result of low platelets as platelet transfusion may be needed if counts slip too low.
Weight Changes and Taste Alterations
Weight loss occurs in many cancer patients due to multiple factors. The American Cancer Society lists nausea/vomiting, taste changes, or loss of appetite due to the cancer's effect on metabolism in the body as causes for weight loss. Patients need encouragement to eat foods that taste good to them and to use supplements to prevent weight loss. Severe weight loss called cachexia is commonly treated with nutrition given through an IV.
Hair Loss
Hair follicle damage occurs with the administration of chemotherapy. Damage and loss occurs approximately two to three weeks after chemotherapy is first administered. Both thinning and total hair loss occur depending on the type of chemotherapy given. There is no known effective prevention of hair loss, but it is temporary and hair will resume growing once chemotherapy is discontinued. In the meantime. wigs or hats serve as replacements for hair loss. Women may use eyeliner to cover loss of eyebrows and lashes.
References
- American Cancer Society: Side Effects of Chemotherapy
- "The Chemotherapy Source Book"; Michael C. Perry, PhD.; 2007
