Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy Treatment in Chirag Enclave, Delhi

Chemotherapy refers to a drug treatment that aims to destroy fast-growing cells in the body. Most commonly used to treat cancer, this treatment works to keep the cancer cells from growing and dividing.

Cancer cells are known for growing and dividing faster than other cells. You can visit an oncologist near you, if you are considering it as a treatment plan. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer.

How is chemotherapy used?

Often referred to as ‘chemo’, doctors generally use chemotherapy in combination with other therapies like radiation therapy, biological therapy and surgery. However, the combination therapy that the doctor will use varies from patient to patient. The main factors that determine it are:

• Type of cancer
• Cancer stage
• Overall health
• Previous cancer treatments
• Location of the cancer cells
• Personal treatment preferences

How does chemotherapy work?

If you undergo surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy to you to ensure removal of any lingering cancer cells. It is also helpful in preparing you for other treatments like radiation therapy. Chemotherapy mainly works to:

• Shrink the size of your tumor
• Lower the count of your cancer cells
• Decrease the chances of cancer spreading
• Ease current symptoms

If one has late-stage cancer, chemotherapy can help relieve pain. Moreover, chemotherapy is also used to prepare patients who have bone marrow diseases. It comes in handy for a bone marrow stem cell treatment. Similarly, chemotherapy can also be resorted to for immune system disorders. 

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment. In other words, it affects your entire body. While it does attack the cancer cells effectively, it can cause severe side effects. It is because chemotherapy aims to kill cells that divide quickly. Along with cancer cells, other cells also divide quickly. Thus, chemotherapy can adversely impact quickly-dividing cells in, say, blood, hair, skin and lining of your intestinal tract. Learn about the pros and cons before deciding to opt for chemotherapy treatment In New Delhi. Nonetheless, your doctor will assist you in managing the following side effects with medications, lifestyle tips, etc. Watch out for:

• Fever
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Hair Loss
• Infections
• Easy bruising
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss
• Mouth sores
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Excessive bleeding
• Memory problems
• Skin changes
• Sexual and fertility changes
• Neuropathy
• Insomnia

What are the long-term effects of chemotherapy?

The majority of the side effects of chemotherapy subside after the treatment. But, depending on the kind of chemotherapy that is used, there can be some long-term effects. You can talk to your oncologist to know more about the possible risks so you can be well-prepared beforehand. 
The long-term effects of chemotherapy can damage:

• Heart
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Nerves
• Reproductive organs

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi.

Call 011 4046 5555 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

Depending on several factors, your chemotherapy may happen in cycles. In simpler terms, it may take place over a period of treatment, followed by a period of rest. For instance, it may happen once a week or for numerous days. Then, the rest period will last for several days or weeks.

The break is essential as it provides time for the drugs to do their job. In addition, resting allows time for your body to heal so that it can handle the side effects in a better manner. Most importantly, the rest period enables your body to create new healthy cells.

After consulting with an oncologist near you and planning out your cycle, try to not skip a treatment. However, if the side effects become severe, your doctor is likely to devise a new cycle to get back on track.