Brain Tumor Chemo Side Effects

Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.

Brain tumor chemo side effects.

The most common early side effects are fatigue feeling tired and skin changes. Emotional distress such as depression or anxiety. When chemotherapy for brain tumor starts damages these healthy cells the following side effects may follow. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells and aims to kill them.

Likewise pituitary tumors can have an effect on personality by causing the overproduction or underproduction of hormones. However fast growing tumors such as glioblastomas put patients more at risk. Having other symptoms like tiredness pain or sleep problems. One of the most frustrating long term side effects especially for adolescents and young adults is chemo brain.

This can reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood and make you more likely to get an infection. 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. Although rare this side effect can cause headaches seizures or even death. 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.

Hormonal imbalances can cause problems with mood emotions body weight and sexual function. Some side effects are caused by the surgery itself. This type of chemotherapy causes slightly different side effects to capsules or intravenous chemotherapy. What is chemo brain.

Common side effects can include. A brain tumor can form in the brain cells as shown or it can begin elsewhere and spread to the brain. Chemotherapy can help you fight cancer but side effects are almost certain. It s common for you to have a cloudy mind called chemo brain during and after treatment.

The cancer itself for example brain tumors. 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. But a very small amount of carmustine will get into your blood. Damage to healthy brain tissue.

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. Other conditions or illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure.