Kidney Cancer (cont.)
Side effects of treatment for
kidney cancer
Because treatment may damage healthy cells and tissues, unwanted side effects
are common. These side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the
treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change
from one treatment session to the next. Before treatment starts, the health care
team will explain possible side effects and suggest ways to help the patient
manage them.
The NCI provides helpful booklets about cancer treatments and coping with
side effects, such as Radiation Therapy and You, Chemotherapy and You, and
Eating Hints for Cancer Patients. See the sections "National Cancer Institute
Information Resources" and "National Cancer Institute Booklets" for other
sources of information about side effects.
Surgery
It takes time to heal after surgery, and the time needed to recover is
different for each person. Patients are often uncomfortable during the first few
days. However, medicine can usually control their pain. Before surgery, patients
should discuss the plan for pain relief with the doctor or nurse. After surgery,
the doctor can adjust the plan if more pain relief is needed.
It is common to feel tired or weak for a while. The health care team watches
the patient for signs of kidney problems by monitoring the amount of fluid the
patient takes in and the amount of urine produced. They also watch for signs of
bleeding, infection, or other problems requiring immediate treatment. Lab tests
help the health care team monitor for signs of problems.
If one kidney is removed, the remaining kidney generally is able to perform
the work of both kidneys. However, if the remaining kidney is not working well
or if both kidneys are removed, dialysis is needed to clean the blood. For a few
patients, kidney transplantation may be an option. For this procedure, the
transplant surgeon replaces the patient's kidney with a healthy kidney from a
donor.
Arterial embolization
After arterial embolization, some
patients have back pain or develop a fever.
Other side effects are nausea and vomiting. These problems soon go away.
Radiation therapy
The side effects of radiation therapy depend mainly on the amount of
radiation given and the part of the body that is treated. Patients are likely to
become very tired during radiation therapy, especially in the later weeks of
treatment. Resting is important, but doctors usually advise patients to try to
stay as active as they can.
Radiation therapy to the kidney and nearby areas may cause nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, or urinary discomfort. Radiation therapy also may cause a decrease in
the number of healthy white blood cells, which help protect the body against
infection. In addition, the skin in the treated area may sometimes become red,
dry, and tender. Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be
distressing, the doctor can usually treat or control them.
Biological therapy
Biological therapy may cause flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, muscle
aches, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients also
may get a skin rash. These problems can be severe, but they go away after
treatment stops.
Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the specific drugs and the
amount received at one time. 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 cause hair loss. The hair grows back, but sometimes the new
hair is 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.
Nutrition
Patients need to eat well during
cancer therapy. They need enough calories to maintain a good weight and protein
to keep up strength. Good nutrition
often helps people with cancer feel better and have more energy.
But eating well can be difficult. Patients may not feel like eating if
they are uncomfortable or tired. Also, the side effects of treatment, such
as poor appetite, nausea, or vomiting, can be a problem. Some patients find
that foods do not taste as good during cancer therapy.
The doctor, dietitian, or other health care provider can suggest ways to
maintain a healthy diet. Patients and their families may want to read the
National Cancer Institute booklet Eating Hints for Cancer Patients, which
contains many useful ideas and recipes. The "National Cancer Institute
Booklets" section tells how to get this publication.
Next: What happens after treatment for kidney cancer? »
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