Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to Medline Plus. The primary cause is smoking, which accounts for 90 percent of all cases according to the Mayo Clinic. Lung cancer can be treated with chemotherapy that kills or prevents the spread of cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy also kills healthy cells and causes numerous mild to severe side effects.
Common Side Effects
Chemotherapy can cause muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, weight and hair loss, constipation, fatigue, infections and increased bruising. These common side effects should disappear after cessation of treatment or during the rest period of a chemotherapy cycle according to the ACS.
Nerve Damage
Chemotherapy can cause peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition where nerves are damaged and cause tingling, numbness, burning and weakness in the hands or feet. According to the ACS, peripheral neuropathy can result in loss of balance, problems walking, lack of coordination and impairments to vision or hearing.
Anemia
Chemotherapy can cause anemia by killing too many healthy red blood cells. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), anemia is a condition where there isn't enough red blood cells to transport oxygen or remove carbon dioxide from the body. Anemia presents the following symptoms: extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains and pale skin.
Duration of Side Effects
According to the ACS, most common side effects will slowly go away after treatment has stopped. The healthy cells are able to recover from the damage that chemotherapy causes. However, there are some side effects that can last a lifetime. Chemotherapy may cause severe irreversible damage to the kidneys, heart, lungs and the reproductive system.
Summary of Side Effects
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), patients will not experience every possible side effect. In most cases only common or mild side effects are experienced. The severity of side effects varies among individuals. Less severe side effects like nausea and muscle pains can be treated or prevented with medications.
