Bone Cancer Treatment Side Effects

What are the side effects of treatment for bone cancer?

Unfortunately, there are risks and side effects with each of bone cancer treatment options for bone cancer. The main risks associated with bone cancer surgery are infection, recurrence of cancer and damage to sorrounding tiuses. To remove all the cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence, some surrounding normal tissue should also be removed. Depending on the location of cancer, this may require removal of portions of bones, muscles, nerves or blood vessels. This can cause weakness, numbness, and the risk of fracture of the remaining bone. You may be referred to a specialist in rehabilitation of physical and occupational therapy after surgery to try to improve strength and function.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to try and kill powerful cancerous cells. Unfortunately, some normal cells are also killed in the process. The drugs are designed to kill rapidly dividing overrgrowing cells. Normal cells that are often effected include hair, blood-forming cells and cells lining the digestive system. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, infection, and fatigue. Fortunately, these side effects usually disappear after chemotherapy. Good nutrition is important for your body to fight cancer. You may be referred to a nutritionist to help with this, especially if expeiencing nausea and loss of appetite.

The main side effects of radiotherapy include fatigue, loss pf appetite, and damage to the surrounding skin and soft tissues. After radiation therapy there is an also increase in the risk of wound problems after surgery affecting the same area.