Adjuvant chemotherapy is a secondary treatment that follows after major surgery such as the removal of any cancerous cells. Adjuvant chemotherapy is performed to reduce the chances of prolapse of the cancerous cells.
After the surgery, some cancerous cells can still be present within the system, which can cause the prolapse of cancer. To mitigate these problems adjuvant chemotherapy is performed to kill the remaining malignant cells in the body after surgery.
Alternative Name For Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Adjunct Therapy
Where is adjuvant chemotherapy body location?
Adjuvant chemotherapies are used to treat cancers of the following body regions:
How is adjuvant chemotherapy performed?
Adjuvant Chemotherapy is administered as an intravenous medication and is administered post major surgery such as the removal of any cancerous growth or tumor alike. After the surgery, there are chances that there are still some cancerous cells that may be present within the system, which can cause the prolapse of cancer. To mitigate these problems adjuvant chemotherapy is done which kills the remaining number of malignant cells in the body after surgery.
What is the preparation for adjuvant chemotherapy?
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is administered after 6 to 8 weeks of the initial surgery.
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is a vital step for the complete irradiation of microscopic cancer cells that may be present in the lymphatic vessels.
- Before admission for the treatment, the doctors advise the patients to follow a healthy lifestyle, by having nourished foods, staying hydrated, and having a regular ample amount of sleep.
- All these steps need to be followed before the therapeutic procedure can be commenced. It is necessary as adjuvant therapy taxes the body and having proper health is mandatory to sustain the treatment.
What procedure type is adjuvant chemotherapy?
Invasive type
What is the follow-up care for adjuvant chemotherapy?
Follow-up care for adjuvant chemotherapy included frequent doctor visits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Monitoring for any complication or prolapse is necessary during this period. Around the duration of the first two to three years, follow-up appointments should be scheduled every two to three months and can be increased or decreased depending on the condition of the patient.
Risks for adjuvant chemotherapy
Chemotherapy works by attacking the fast-developing cancerous cells but it can also affect health. The damage to the healthy cells depends on the immunity of the patient. Strong immune power can sustain the damage and vice versa, but side effects are common for all patients who undergo chemotherapy. Common side effects include
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue and lethargic feeling across the body
- Loss of hair, people get bald while going through chemotherapy
- Easily bruising and bleeding
- Dry mouth and sores in the mouth
- Infections can easily affect the system
- Loss of blood
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Irregular bowel movement leading to diarrhoea or constipation
- Irregularity in urine and bladder conditions
- Nervous problems like tingling or numbness
- Changes to skin and nails
- Mood swings
- Changes in sexual desire and function
Recovery
With proper medication and treatment and monitoring, cancer patients can live a healthy life altogether. The recovery period is slow as the red blood cell count of the body gets very low and the body takes time to regain its natural functions. With proper diet control and sleep, people can recover after adjuvant chemotherapy.
