Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment that uses chemicals or drugs to kill or damage unwanted tumor cells. The treatment of chemotherapy is often started after the radiation therapy to stop the tumor from returning. These anti-cancer medications slow or stop the growth of cancer cells because tumor cells multiply faster than normal human cell. The drug also reduces the side effects of tumors. The length of time it takes to treat a cancer patient with chemo depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the tumor being treated as well as the desired result.
The treatment of chemotherapy is to kill the cells which are dividing. Each chemotherapy drug works in a different way to stop cell division. Chemical drugs can damage the cytoplasm to stop cell division. Some chemical drugs damage cells as they are about split. Others stop division when genes are replicated. The drug is injected directly into a blood vessel using an injection. It can also be taken as a tablet, gel or in the form of an injection. The chemotherapy does not affect the cells that are static or do not divide.
Side effects are dependent on the dose of chemical consumed. Side effects include:
- Memory loss
- Concentration problems
- Hair loss
- Breathlessness
