Late side effects include: permanent loss of saliva; osteoradionecrosis; radiation recall myositis, pharyngoesophageal stenosis; dental caries; oral cavity necrosis; fibrosis; impaired wound healing; skin changes and skin cancer; lymphedema; hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, lightheadedness, dizziness and headaches; secondary cancer; and eye, ear, neurological and neck structures damage.
| Treatment | Late effects |
|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | Dental problems Early menopause Hearing loss Heart problems Increased risk of other cancers Infertility Loss of taste Lung disease Nerve damage Osteoporosis Reduced lung capacity |
What is a late effect of cancer?
A late effect is a side effect that occurs months or years after cancer treatment. Many people who have received treatment for cancer have a risk of developing long-term side effects. In fact, evaluating and treating late effects is an important part of survivorship care.
What are the side effects of cancer treatment?
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the chest may hurt the lungs. Cancer survivors who received both chemotherapy and radiation therapy may have a higher risk of lung damage. People who have had lung disease and older adults may have more lung problems. Endocrine system problems. Some types of cancer treatments may affect the endocrine system.
What are the possible late effects of chemotherapy?
These late effects include: 1 Hearing loss from high doses of chemotherapy, especially drugs like cisplatin (multiple brand names). 2 Increased risk of stroke from high-dose radiation therapy to the brain. 3 Nervous system side effects, including damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (called peripheral neuropathy).
What are the late side effects of surgery for cancer?
Late side effects from surgery depend on the type of cancer and where in the body you had surgery: Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma, especially those diagnosed before 1988, often had their spleens removed. The spleen is a vital organ for the immune system. Removing it is linked with a higher risk of infections.
What is the most common side effect of cancer treatment?
Some of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment include pain and fatigue, anemia, mouth problems, nausea/weight change/dietary issues, and hair, skin and nail problems. Pain. The term “pain” describes a broad category of types of symptoms and it is common to all cancers and cancer treatments.
What are the late effects of chemotherapy?
Late effects of chemotherapy include:Fatigue.Difficulty with focused thinking (sometimes called chemo brain).Early menopause.Heart problems.Reduced lung capacity.Kidney and urinary problems.Nerve problems such as numbness and tingling.Bone and joint problems.More items...
What are some of the most common long term side effects of cancer and cancer treatment that affect cancer survivors?
Fatigue is a constant feeling of physical, emotional, or mental tiredness. It is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Some cancer survivors have fatigue for months or even years after finishing treatment.
What are the late side effects of radiotherapy?
Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.
What are the short and long term side effects of chemotherapy?
Here are some of the more common side effects caused by chemotherapy:Fatigue.Hair loss.Easy bruising and bleeding.Infection.Anemia (low red blood cell counts)Nausea and vomiting.Appetite changes.Constipation.More items...•
What are the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation?
What Are Common Side Effects of Chemo and Radiation?Fatigue. Tiredness (fatigue) is the most common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiation. ... Pain. ... Mouth, Gum, and Throat Sores. ... Gastrointestinal Problems. ... Skin Changes. ... Weight Changes. ... Hair Loss. ... Kidney and Bladder Problems.More items...
What are late effects of cancer treatment?
What cancer treatments cause late effects?TreatmentLate effectsChemotherapyDental problems Early menopause Hearing loss Heart problems Increased risk of other cancers Infertility Loss of taste Lung disease Nerve damage Osteoporosis Reduced lung capacity5 more rows
What are side effects of cancer treatment?
Side Effects of Cancer TreatmentAnemia.Appetite Loss.Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia)Constipation.Delirium.Diarrhea.Edema (Swelling)Fatigue.More items...
Which agents are associated with the greatest incidence of late effects of cancer treatment?
Chemotherapeutic drugs for which late effects have been reported most frequently include adriamycin, bleomycin, vincristine, methotrexate, cytoxan, and many others (Table 6.1).
What are the three main adverse effects of radiotherapy?
Ask your care team about the side effects you might get.Sore skin. In some people, radiotherapy can make the skin sore and red (similar to sunburn), darker than normal or dry and itchy. ... Tiredness. ... Hair loss. ... Feeling sick. ... Problems eating and drinking. ... Diarrhoea. ... Stiff joints and muscles. ... Sex and fertility issues.More items...
Which of the following are long-term effect of radiation?
Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness"). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
What are the effects of radiation treatment?
Radiation therapy aimed at a person's head or neck may cause these side effects:Dry mouth.Mouth and gum sores.Difficulty swallowing.Stiffness in the jaw.Nausea.Hair loss.A type of swelling called lymphedema.Tooth decay.
What Are Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?
Late effects are side effects of cancer treatment that become apparent after your treatment has ended. Cancer survivors might experience late effec...
What Cancer Treatments Cause Late Effects?
Late effects of cancer treatment can come from any of the main types of cancer treatment: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, surgery, target...
What Late Effects Might People Who Were Treated For Childhood Cancers Experience?
If you underwent cancer treatment as a child, you may be at risk of many of the same late side effects of treatment as people who were adults durin...
What Signs and Symptoms Might Signal That You're Experiencing Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?
Talk to your doctor about the late effects of your particular treatment. In some cases, your doctor will know what effects are at risk to you. But...
What Can You Do to Prevent Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?
It isn't clear that late effects are preventable or why some people might experience late effects while others don't. While this can be frustrating...
What are the side effects of cancer treatment?
Talk with your doctor about any new symptoms or side effects that you experience. Fatigue. Fatigue is a constant feeling of physical, emotional, or mental tiredness. It is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Some cancer survivors have fatigue for months or even years after finishing treatment.
How long after cancer treatment do side effects occur?
Many people who have had cancer treatment have a risk of developing long-term side effects. These side effects can happen months or years after treatment. Evaluating and treating late effects is an important part of cancer survivorship care.
What are the problems with the endocrine system?
This system includes the glands and other organs that make hormones and make eggs or sperm. Cancer survivors at risk for hormone changes from treatment need regular blood tests to measure hormone levels. Menopause.
What are the side effects of radiation?
Increased risk of stroke from high doses of radiation to the brain. Nervous system side effects, including damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, called peripheral neuropathy. Cancer survivors should have regular physical examinations and hearing tests after treatment to check for these effects.
What are some examples of post-treatment experiences?
Each person’s post-treatment experience is different. For example, some survivors struggle with negative emotional effects of cancer. Others say that they have a renewed, positive outlook on life because of the cancer.
Can cancer patients have dental problems?
Cancer survivors may have dental and oral health and vision problems, depending on the treatments they received: Chemotherapy may affect tooth enamel and increase the risk of long-term dental problems. High doses of radiation therapy to the head and neck area may change tooth development.
Can cancer patients have post traumatic stress disorder?
Cancer survivors, caregivers, family, and friends may also have post-traumatic stress disorder. This is an anxiety disorder. It may develop after living through a very frightening or life-threatening event, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. Each person’s post-treatment experience is different.
How to reduce the chance of infection during chemo?
Washing your hands often will lower your chance of getting an infection during chemotherapy. Talk with your doctor about other ways to lower your risk of getting an infection. You should call your doctor right away if you notice any signs of an infection, especially a fever.
What happens if you have a lymph node removed?
If you have lymph nodes removed during surgery, or if radiation treatment damages a lymph node or vessel, the lymph fluid may not be able to drain properly. The fluid may build up under your skin and cause part of your body to swell . This condition is called lymphedema. Learn more about lymphedema.
Can cancer cause blood clots?
Cancer Pain. Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Other Side Effects. Cancer treatments may have many side effects. A side effect occurs when treatment damages healthy cells. Side effects can be different for each person, and for different medicines and kinds of treatment. If you think you’re experiencing any side effects, talk to your medical team.
Can cancer cause tiredness?
Cancer treatments can cause many other side effects, including tiredness, trouble eating, and depression. The National Cancer Institute#N#external icon#N#and the American Cancer Society#N#external icon#N#describe many of these problems and offer tips for preventing or coping with them.
Can cancer make you sick?
Cancer treatments can make you feel sick to your stomach, and to vomit. Sometimes, cancer patients feel sick just from thinking about cancer treatment. Fortunately, medicines can help control nausea and make you feel better. Tell your doctor when you feel sick, so he or she can find the medicine that works best for you.
Does a cooling cap help with chemotherapy?
may help you keep more of your hair . A cooling cap fits tightly on your head and keeps your scalp cold before, during, and after your chemotherapy treatment. Studies have found that how well a cooling cap works depends on the kind of chemotherapy you receive.
Can cancer drugs make you forget things?
The drugs used to treat cancer can cause some people to have trouble concentrating or remembering things. This is often called “chemo brain,”#N#external icon#N#and it can make it hard for cancer patients to do their jobs or everyday tasks.
What are the late effects of cancer?
Late effects are problems caused by cancer treatment that may not show up for months or years after treatment. These problems are specific to certain types of treatments and the dose received. Like side effects that you may have during treatment, late effects differ greatly from person to person. You may have problems that are very different from someone else’s, even if they had the same type of cancer and treatment. When you discuss follow-up care with your doctor, you may want to ask about which late effects to watch for. Early medical attention can prevent or help better manage late effects. See Follow-Up Medical Care to learn more.
What to do after cancer treatment?
After cancer treatment, you should have regular check-ups. If you have symptoms of brain changes, you will have tests to see whether they are due to the cancer or are late side effects of your treatment. If you have late side effects, your doctor or nurse: Will talk with you about ways to manage late side effects.
What is second primary cancer?
When a new primary cancer occurs in a person with a history of cancer, it is known as a second primary cancer. Second primary cancers do not occur very often, but they can happen. Ways to Manage. Talk with your doctor about the types of second cancers you may be at risk for.
How to reduce bone loss after cancer treatment?
You can help lower your risk of bone loss by: Not smoking or using other tobacco products. Eating foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Which organs are affected by cancer?
Parts of the endocrine system that may be damaged by cancer treatment include the thyroid, ovaries, and testes.
Can radiation therapy cause heart problems?
Certain cancer drugs and radiation therapy to the chest may cause heart problems that don’t show up until years after treatment. Drugs that tend to cause heart problems include:
Can radiation necrosis cause headaches?
Radiation necrosis can cause movement problems, problems concentrating, slow processing of information, and headaches. Ways to Manage. After cancer treatment, you should have regular check-ups.
The Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment on Your Long-Term Health
The late effects associated with breast cancer treatments. Antonio Wolff, M.D., medical oncologist at the Johns Hopkins Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, encourages a relationship with a primary care doctor who is knowledgeable about these effects on breast cancer survivors and their long-term health care.
The Late Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
The late effects of breast cancer treatment should be addressed in a primary care setting. Issues like bone health and menopausal symptoms are discussed. From Kimberly Peairs, M.D., internal medicine specialist at Johns Hopkins Healthcare and Surgery Center at Green Spring Station in Baltimore, MD.
How long does pain last after cancer treatment?
Pain can linger for years after cancer treatment, severely affecting quality of life. Managing chronic pain in cancer survivors may require a combination of drugs, physical therapy, support groups and/or complementary therapies.
What are the side effects of hormone ablation?
These treatments, known as hormone ablation therapy, are most commonly used on prostate and breast cancer patients, who may experience the following side effects: Decreased sex drive. Memory loss.
What is the term for the brain that is affected by chemotherapy?
Many cancer patients have problems with learning and memory during and immediately after treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs, a condition known as "chemobrain."
Why is it so hard to eat after a head cancer?
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is common in head and neck cancer survivors because salivary glands are susceptible to radiation damage.
Can radiation cause infertility?
Radiation to the abdominal area may cause infertility in both sexes. Certain chemotherapy drugs can permanently damage the ovaries in women or the testes in men. Abdominal surgery for several types of cancer (particularly prostate, bladder, ovarian and uterine cancers) increase risk of infertility in both men and women.
Can cancer come back?
Cancer Recurrence or Secondary Cancers. All cancer survivors live with the possibility that their cancer will come back or spread (metastasize). Some also may develop secondary cancers. Regular follow-up exams, cancer screenings, and reporting symptoms to your doctor can help detect new or spreading cancers as early as possible.
Can cancer cause sexual dysfunction?
Sexual Dysfunction. Many cancer patients experience sexual side effects, particularly those with tumors in reproductive organs. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur in men, and women may suffer from sudden menopause or vaginal dryness. Read more about cancer and sexuality.
What are the late effects of breast cancer?
Some common late effects of breast cancer treatment include (in alphabetical order): Bone health problems. Changes in the look and feel of the breast after lumpectomy. Changes in the look and feel of the breast after radiation therapy. Changes in the look and feel of the breast after reconstruction. Early menopause.
How long after breast cancer treatment do side effects occur?
New side effects may occur months or even years after treatment ends. These long-term and new side effects may be called late effects of breast cancer treatment. Late effects vary from person to person. So, it can be hard to plan for or cope with them.
What is the quality of life after breast cancer?
Quality of life after treatment. “Quality of life” describes a person’s overall well-being. Your mental and physical health (including symptoms such as pain and fatigue), ability to perform daily roles and sexual function are all part of your quality of life. Quality of life issues after breast cancer treatment.
What are the changes in the breast after reconstruction?
Changes in the look and feel of the breast after reconstruction. Early menopause. Emotional distress and depression. Fatigue or insomnia (trouble sleeping) Fear of breast cancer recurrence. Infertility. Joint and muscle pain. Menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes and vaginal symptoms) Sexuality and intimacy issues.
Is research ongoing for breast cancer?
Research is ongoing to improve all areas of breast cancer care, including survivorship.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer?
Late side effects include: permanent loss of saliva; osteoradionecrosis; radiation recall myositis, pharyngoesophageal stenosis; dental caries; oral cavity necrosis; fibrosis; impaired wo und healing ; skin changes and skin cancer; lymphedema; hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, lightheadedness, dizziness and headaches; secondary cancer; and eye, ear, neurological and neck structures damage. Patients who undergo radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma tend to suffer from chronic sinusitis. These side effects present difficult challenges to the patients and their caregivers and require life-long strategies to alleviate their deleterious effect on basic life functions and on the quality of life. This review presents these side effects and their management.
What are the effects of radiation on the body?
Radiation induced inflammation leading to fibrosis, poor vascularity, and scarring
What are the side effects of RT?
Late side effects include permanent loss of saliva; osteoradionecrosis; pharyngoesophageal stenosis; dental caries; oral cavity necrosis; fibrosis; radiation recall myositis, impaired wound healing; skin changes and skin cancer; lymphedema; hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, lightheadedness, dizziness and headaches; secondary cancer; and eye, ear, neurological and neck structures damage. This manuscript reviews the major late side effects of RT and their management (Table 1).
What is RT for head and neck cancer?
Radiation therapy (RT) is often used to treat head and neck cancer (HNC) [1]. RT can damage blood vessels that nourish muscles, nerves, and bones resulting in a progressive “radiation fibrosis syndrome”, which causes a variety of complications [2]. The likelihood and severity of complications depends on a number of factors, including the total dose of radiation delivered, over what time it was delivered and what parts of the head and neck received radiation. The side effects of RT for HNC are divided into early (acute) and long-term (chronic) effects [3]. Early side effects occur during the course of therapy and during the immediate post therapy period (approximately 2–3 weeks after the completion of a course of RT). Late effects can manifest any time thereafter, from weeks to years later [4].
Which bone is most affected by nasopharyngeal cancer?
The mandible is the most frequently affected bone, especially in those treated for nasopharyngeal cancer. Maxillary involvement is rare because of the collateral blood circulation it receives. Tooth extraction and dental disease in irradiated areas are major contributors to osteoradionecrosis. It may be necessary to remove decayed teeth before RT if they are in the area receiving RT [16]. Ideally, at least 7 to 14 days should be allowed for healing before initiation of RT; some have suggested allowing up to 21 days. Oral disease should be treated prior to receiving radiation therapy whenever possible [15].
Does radiation damage thyroid glands?
Radiation induced damage to the thyroid gland
Is parathyroid adenoma curative?
Surgical removal of the parathyroid adenoma(s) is curative in most patients
