Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that destroys cancerous cells. It is typically the main suggested treatment in cancer treatment but it can be used in combination with other treatment options like surgery or radiation. The goal of chemotherapy is to target and remove cells that contain cancer. Chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well and can have negative side effects. It’s important to understand what chemotherapy entails, so there are no surprises as you go through your treatment.
What Cancers Can Chemotherapy Treat?
Chemotherapy is a customized aspect of cancer treatment that may be recommended for a wide range of situations. Sometimes, chemotherapy can be avoided if your cancer is caught early. But, this all depends on the location, stage, and type of cancer you have. Examples of cancers that may be treated with chemotherapy include:
● Breast cancer
● Hodgkin lymphoma
● Recurrent or advanced stage prostate cancer
● Throat cancer
● Certain types of bone cancer
● Brain cancer
● Cervical cancer
Though you may have heard of chemotherapy, you probably didn’t know that there are numerous treatment options available. In the past, chemotherapy was generally dispensed intravenously. Oral medication options have become more common in recent years. Specific factors can dictate the type of chemotherapy a patient may be recommended, including
● Intravenously
● Intra-arterially
● Intraperitoneally
● Orally (pill, capsule, or liquid)
● Topically
How Often Will I Receive Chemotherapy Treatment?
Chemotherapy is dosed and administered based on a schedule that is tailored to your needs and the specific cancer we are dealing with. The duration and frequency of chemotherapy treatments are determined by factors that include:
-Type and stage of cancer
-Purpose of treatment: to ease symptoms, control cancer growth, or eliminate cancer
-Type of chemotherapy prescribed
Ultimately, chemotherapy can come with short-term and long-term side effects. These are important to understand, as some may be permanent. Short-term side effects may include constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, hair loss, loss of appetite, or nausea and vomiting. Long term side effects can include heart problems, infertility, kidney problems, nerve damage, and lung-tissue damage. These risks will vary, depending on the type of chemotherapy drug used.
For more information on chemotherapy treatment, get in touch with us today. Call us at 928.537.6937 to schedule an appointment at Summit Healthcare.