Know The Medial Side Effects Of Breast Cancer Treatment
January 31st, 2012
Nowadays, you can find number of approaches to treat breast cancer, the hopes of survival are rising one of the women suffering from this dangerous disease, several building a comeback to the mainstream of life. With the advent of a number of methods to treat breast cancer, the hopes of survival are rising among the women experiencing this disease, numerous making a comeback to the mainstream of life. But the responses to the various treatments depend largely upon the overall health of the individual and the stage of the breast cancer. All types of treatment of breast cancer is accompanied by some side effects that too varying with each individual. So it is always vital that you look at the negative effects in discussion with the doctor and intend to manage those effects before the beginning of the treatment.
Treatments and their side- effects
Surgery – Surgical operations on breasts can lead to the change in the body weight, especially with women having large breasts. This results in discomfort in the neck, right back and shoulders. Sometimes an atmosphere of numbness in the chest, arm and underarm can be felt as a result of damage of the nerves due to surgery.
Because of the removal of lymph nodes underneath the arm, the flow of the lymphatic fluid decelerates leading to the swelling in the side of the body where it’s operated specially in the arm and hand. This can cause infection and cause serious complications.
There may be some pain, soreness and tenderness in the site of incision.
Radiation therapy – Due to this therapy patients have problems with fatigue within few weeks of treatment or following the treatment. They have been advised rest, but some activities may also be needed to study their energy levels.
The skin could become red, dry and develop itchy sensation. It may also turn moist with the progress of the treatment. Sometimes the changes are temporary and disappear after the treatment has ended. In some cases there may be permanent color change of the skin that can be treated by application of creams.
Changes in the breasts are observed like firmer breasts, breast actives due to produce of fluids and smaller sizes of breasts may as a result of radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy – Some temporary and long term negative effects are connected with chemotherapy. Fatigue and severe nausea and vomiting are some common side effects of chemotherapy. Other temporary side effects include hair loss, diarrhea, mouth sores, bruises and bleeding easily. These effects disappear following the treatment has ended.
Hormone therapy – Because of this therapy the women experience almost the same effects of menopause like weight gain, vaginal dryness, low libido, hot flushes and night sweat.
Biological therapy – This is done by the use of certain drugs that will destroy the cancerous cells. Women in advanced stage of breast cancer may feel fever and chill, weakness, pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, difficulty in breathing. These effects are less severe after the initial treatment.
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