Coping Up With Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment Effectively

Oncology treatment involves the surgical removal of cancer cells along with any infected tissues nearby. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the other commonly adopted treatment techniques for cancer treatment. Surgery might set off tissue swellings. Third degree oral cancer might call for the complete removal of palate, tongue or jaw resulting in difficulty in chewing and swallowing. Plastic surgery is commonly employed to reconstruct tissues and to improve your facial appearance after cancer surgeries.

Radiation Therapy involves treating the cancer cells by directing specific amounts of radiation.

It carries the risk of many side effects, so make sure to seek the doctor’s advice both, prior to and after the therapy. It goes without saying that the gravity of side effects is directly related to the amount of radiation given. While some of the side effects are only temporary, certain conditions like dry mouth persists permanently. Recovery from these side effects is possible if you follow your doctor’s advice and stick to the treatment regimen.

Diet Information For Fighting Side Effects Of Cancer Chemotherapy

Remember that your body needs additional calories and protein for faster healing and recovery. Proper rest also plays an important role in your recovery.

Dry mouth makes eating or swallowing difficult. You may find it useful to drink plenty of fluids or to keep ice packs. Sugar free treats or saliva substitutes come handy in keeping the mouth moist. Tooth decay is yet another side effect of radiation therapy. You should ensure good oral hygiene so that the teeth and gums remain healthy. Make sure that you use a soft bristled tooth brush and mild paste to clean teeth after every meal. Warm water gargling is also found to be useful.

Jaw stiffness is yet another common side effect with radiation therapy, which makes it difficult for you to freely open your mouth. Try opening and closing the mouth regularly to improve the flexibility of jaw muscles. If you wear dentures, you may find that they do not fit you anymore due to the changes in the oral cavity tissues. You may have to desist using them for quite some time or replace with a new set of dentures that properly fits you.

There is no need for you to be anxious on the changes in your voice quality as it is caused by the swelling of the larynx induced by the radiation therapy. Seek your doctor’s advice on the medications to be administered in controlling this condition. Thyroid hormone levels also might change which can lead to weight gain and fatigue among other conditions.

Normally chemotherapy also sets off side effects similar to radiation treatment. Bleeding or dryness of mouth, painful gums, etc., are some of the common side effects.

Submitted on January 16, 2014