Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the specific drugs
and the dose. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells
that divide rapidly, especially:
Blood cells:
These cells fight infection, help the blood to clot, and carry oxygen to
all parts of the body. When drugs
affect blood cells, patients are more likely to get infections, may bruise or
bleed easily, and may feel very weak and tired.
Cells in hair roots: Chemotherapy can lead to hair loss. The hair grows back, but the new hair may be somewhat different
in color and texture.
Cells that line the digestive tract: Chemotherapy can cause poor appetite, nausea
and vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth and lip sores. Many of these side effects can be controlled with drugs.
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