Melanoma (cont.)
What are the side effects of treatment for
melanoma?
Because treatment may damage healthy cells and tissues, unwanted side effects
sometimes occur. These side effects depend on many factors, including the
location of the tumor and the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects may
not be the same for each person, and they may even 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.
Surgery
The side effects of surgery depend mainly on the size and location of the
tumor and the extent of the operation. Although patients may have some pain
during the first few days after surgery, this pain can be controlled with
medicine. People should feel free to discuss pain relief with the doctor or
nurse. It is also common for patients to feel tired or weak for a while. The
length of time it takes to recover from an operation varies for each patient.
Scarring may also be a concern for some patients. To avoid causing large
scars, doctors remove as little tissue as they can (while still protecting
against recurrence). In general, the scar from surgery to remove an early stage
melanoma is a small line (often 1 to 2 inches long), and it fades with time. How
noticeable the scar is depends on where the melanoma was, how well the person
heals, and whether the person develops raised scars called keloids. When a tumor
is large and thick, the doctor must remove more surrounding skin and other
tissue (including muscle). Although skin grafts reduce scarring caused by the
removal of large growths, these scars will still be quite noticeable.
Surgery to remove the lymph nodes from the underarm or groin may damage the
lymphatic system and slow the flow of lymphatic fluid in the arm or leg.
Lymphatic fluid may build up in a limb and cause swelling (lymphedema). The
doctor or nurse can suggest exercises or other ways to reduce swelling if it
becomes a problem. Also, it is harder for the body to fight infection in a limb
after nearby lymph nodes have been removed, so the patient will need to protect
the arm or leg from cuts, scratches, bruises, insect bites, or burns that may
lead to infection. If an infection does develop, the patient should see the
doctor right away.
Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the specific drugs and the
dose. 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 lead to hair loss. The hair grows back,
but the new hair may be 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.
Biological therapy
The side effects of biological therapy vary with the type of treatment. These
treatments may cause flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, muscle aches,
weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients may also
get a skin rash. These problems can be severe, but they go away after treatment
stops.
Radiation therapy
The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the amount of radiation given
and the area being treated. Side effects that may occur in the treated area
include red or dry skin and hair loss. Radiation therapy also may cause fatigue.
Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be unpleasant, the doctor can
usually treat or control them. It also helps to know that, in most cases, side
effects are not permanent.
Nutrition
People with melanoma may not feel like eating, especially if they are
uncomfortable or tired. Also, the side effects of treatment, such as poor
appetite, nausea, or vomiting, can be a problem. Foods may taste different.
Nevertheless, patients should try 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.
The doctor, dietitian, or other health care provider can suggest ways to
maintain a healthy diet.
Next: What about followup care after treatment
for melanoma? »
- interferon - Describes the medication interferon (Roferon-A, Intron-A, Rebetron, Alferon-N, Peg-Intron, Avonex, Betaseron, Infergen, Actimmune, Pegasys), a drug used in managing many diseases that involve the immune system.
- Chemotherapy - Explains chemotherapy, a drug treatment to kill cancer cells. Article includes descriptions, uses, and side effects, and care support.
- Skin Tag - Read about skin tags (acrochordons), benign skin growths thought to be caused by skin friction, treatment, removal and other causes. Plus, see a picture of a skin tag.
Latest Medical News
Cancer RSS