$Unique_ID{BRK01618}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests, Circulatory System}
$Title{What is the Meaning of the Word "Chemotherapy"?}
$Subject{cancer chemotherapy}
$Volume{P, G}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is the Meaning of the Word "Chemotherapy"?


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QUESTION:  What is the meaning of the word "chemotherapy" as it applies to
cancer treatment?  Could you please explain a bit of how it works in the
system?  I guess I am a bit fearful about it use, and need help.

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ANSWER:  Very simply, chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment which uses
chemicals or drugs to hunt out cancer cells and stop them from multiplying.
You see, cancer cells are different from normal cells because they don't know
when to stop dividing.  They grow and grow (forming a clump of cells called a
tumor) until they crowd out all the normal cells and stop the affected organ
from working properly.  This original tumor can also shed cells that travel to
other parts of the body and start new tumors (metastases) which eventually
cause a breakdown of the whole system.
     Given by mouth or injected into the muscles or veins, these drugs have
one goal:  to improve the quality of a patient's life either by curing certain
cancers or keeping the cancer under control for a long time.  How long and how
often medication is given, as well as the kinds of drugs chosen depends on the
type of cancer the patient has.  Usually the treatments are given in intervals
with rest periods in between.  And, in some people, but not all, anti-cancer
drugs can produce side effects.
     Actually, for many people, the fear of side effects is as great a concern
as the disease itself.  Yet most of the time, reactions to chemotherapy are
reversible and temporary, and may quickly disappear after treatment stops.
Two of the most troublesome are gastrointestinal upsets and hair loss
(alopecia).
     Because the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines are lined with
rapidly growing cells (just the kind of cells chemotherapy drugs like to
attack!), some people find anti-cancer medications upset their insides, often
causing nausea and vomiting.  Generally, eating small, frequent meals, and
avoiding sweet, spicy, or greasy foods will offer some relief.  Also, there
are new anti-nausea drugs which the doctor may prescribe.
     Hair loss is not so easy to deal with.  The scalp too has rapidly
dividing cells that may be affected by the chemotherapy.  The only consolation
is--it's temporary.  Some patients even report their new hair is silkier and
thicker than before.
     Other possible complications are anemia, bruising (due to low platelet
count), and lowered resistance to colds and other infections.  Skin rashes,
muscle weakness, temporary fertility problems, as well as stress on the
kidneys and emotional changes may occur.  The important thing to remember is
everyone reacts differently to treatment.  Knowing what could happen doesn't
mean it will!
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
