- Hair loss occurs when hair follicles are damaged by chemotherapy. Hair loss can include scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, axillary and pubic hair. The loss may be gradual, or it may happen all at once. Hair loss from chemotherapy is usually temporary; the hair will return, but it may regrow having different characteristics such as a change in color or texture.
- Mouth and throat sores are caused by the destruction of mucosal cells lining the mouth and esophagus. They can result in minor to severe pain.
- Nausea and vomiting are due to a number of factors related to the effect of chemotherapy on the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Currently, several anti-nausea drugs can be given prior to chemotherapy administration that will help prevent this symptom.
- Diarrhea may occur after chemotherapy because of damage to the intestinal mucosa and changes in the intestine's ability to reabsorb liquid. Constipation can result from chemotherapy's effects on the nerves of the intestines, which slows peristalsis, or the elimination of waste.
- Destruction of red blood cells by chemotherapy can lead to anemia. This can cause excessive tiredness, pale skin color, shortness of breath, irritability, decreased attention span, headaches and dizziness. These symptoms are primarily due to the decrease in oxygen going to the brain and other body tissues.
- Destruction of the blood platelets can result in bruising and bleeding. Known as thrombocytopenia, this is caused by a lack of sufficient platelets to form a clot and stop bleeding.
- Destruction of white blood cells can result in infections. White blood cells destroy bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, and are a major defense against infection. When white blood cells are low, infections can occur quickly and become very serious.
- Chemotherapy drugs may affect organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain, causing temporary or permanent damage. Some drugs may affect hearing. It will help to discuss each drug with your oncologist, to understand potential side effects and the probability that they will occur.
Sharon Frierdich, RN, MS, CPNP, University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital
Reviewed June 2008