What are the side effects of treatment?
Treatment of melanoma is designed to minimize side effects to the extent possible in any given case. For example, to avoid causing large scars, the least possible amount of tissue is removed without increasing the chance of recurrence. In general, scars from surgery to remove an early stage melanoma are small (often 1 to 2 inches long), and they fade with time. When a tumor is large and thick, more surrounding skin and tissue (including muscle) are removed. Although skin grafts reduce scarring from the removal of large growths, these scars will often be quite noticeable.
Surgery to remove the lymph nodes from the underarm or groin may damage the lymphatic system and slow the flow of lymph in the arm or leg. Lymph may build up in a limb and cause swelling (lymphedema). Certain exercises or other methods can be implemented to reduce swelling if it becomes a problem. Additionally, following removal of lymph nodes, it is more difficult for the body to fight infection in a limb. The patient will, therefore, need to protect the arm or leg from cuts, scratches, bruises, or burns that can lead to infection. If an infection does develop, the patient should consult a doctor or health professional immediately.
Although chemotherapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy are very carefully tailored to a particular case, it is difficult to limit the effects of these treatments so that only cancer cells are destroyed. Because healthy cells can also be damaged, cancer treatments often cause unpleasant side effects.
The side effects of these treatments vary. They depend mainly on the type and extent of treatment. Additionally, each patient reacts differently. Patients are carefully monitored so that any problems that occur can be addressed.
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs that are given. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly. These include blood cells, which fight infection, cause the blood to clot, or carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When blood cells are affected by anticancer drugs, patients are more susceptible to fever or an infection, can bruise or bleed more easily, and may have less energy. Cells in the hair follicles and cells that line the digestive tract also divide rapidly. Accordingly, chemotherapy can cause hair loss and other problems such as mouth sores, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. The drugs commonly used to treat melanoma can also cause shortness of breath, kidney problems, tingling or numbness of the fingers, toes, or face, and some hearing loss. Most of the side effects of chemotherapy resolve after treatment stops. However, some side effects, such as tingling, numbness, and hearing loss, may continue even after chemotherapy is over.
The side effects caused by biological therapies vary with the type of treatment. Often, these treatments cause flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes, patients develop a rash, bleed or bruise easily, or retain fluid. These problems can be severe, and patients may need to be hospitalized during treatment.
The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the amount of radiation given and the area being treated. Patients who receive radiation therapy for melanoma that has spread to the brain usually receive 2 weeks of treatment. Side effects that can occur during treatment include headache and fatigue. Patients often lose their hair, but it usually grows back after treatment.
Loss of appetite can be a problem for patients during therapy. People may not feel hungry when they are uncomfortable or tired. Also, some of the common side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, or a change in the person's sense of taste, can make eating difficult. Yet good nutrition is important because patients who eat well generally feel better and have more energy. In addition, they may be better able to withstand the side effects of treatment. Eating well means receiving enough calories and protein to help prevent weight loss, regain strength, and rebuild normal tissues. Many patients find that eating several small meals and snacks during the day works better than having three large meals.
What are the side effects of treatment?
