Brain Tumor Chemo Side Effects

Some side effects are caused by the surgery itself.

Brain tumor chemo side effects. But a very small amount of carmustine will get into your blood. The cancer itself for example brain tumors. However fast growing tumors such as glioblastomas put patients more at risk. Other conditions or illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Hair loss mouth sores loss of appetite nausea and vomiting diarrhea increased chance of infections from having too few white blood cells easy bruising or bleeding from having too few blood platelets fatigue from having too few red blood cells changes in. The most common early side effects are fatigue feeling tired and skin changes. As the tumor grows it creates pressure on and changes the function of surrounding brain tissue which causes signs and symptoms such as headaches nausea and balance problems. Harm to the pituitary gland and other areas of the brain can happen which can affect hormone levels in the body including thyroid and sex hormones.

Having other symptoms like tiredness pain or sleep problems. What is chemo brain. Hormonal imbalances can cause problems with mood emotions body weight and sexual function. Likewise pituitary tumors can have an effect on personality by causing the overproduction or underproduction of hormones.

A brain tumor can form in the brain cells as shown or it can begin elsewhere and spread to the brain. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells and aims to kill them. Although rare this side effect can cause headaches seizures or even death. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.

Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area. This type of chemotherapy causes slightly different side effects to capsules or intravenous chemotherapy. It s common for you to have a cloudy mind called chemo brain during and after treatment. This can reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood and make you more likely to get an infection.

One of the most frustrating long term side effects especially for adolescents and young adults is chemo brain. According to the american society of clinical oncology asco up to 75 of cancer patients have these cognition issues during chemo treatment and 35 continue long after treatment has ended. When chemotherapy for brain tumor starts damages these healthy cells the following side effects may follow. Emotional distress such as depression or anxiety.

Despite this some healthy cells in the body also divide rapidly like those in the hair follicles the mouth stomach and bone marrow. Chemotherapy can help you fight cancer but side effects are almost certain.