Chemotherapy is the using of the specific anticancer drugs for destroying cancer cells.

Complementary therapy

After the operation on the cancer of colon or rectum, doctors may prescribe a supportive therapy. Complementary therapy is appointed in the case where the tumor is fully removed, but its microscopic structure indicates a large degree of likelihood of recidivism. This probability is further increased if proven axillary lymph nodes. The reasons for the spread of cancer to other parts and organs of the body are not known accurately. Perhaps the primary tumor cells into blood flow or lymphatic system, and then they can become "embryo" formation of new tumors (metastases or secondary cancer) in other parts of the body. These tumors in the initial stage may be so small that they are within a few years, not detectable.

Supporting Chemotherapy

With bowel cancer, usually assigned as an auxiliary chemotherapy drug, known as the "5-Fluorouracil" (5-FU). Typically, 5-FU given in combination with vitamin called "folic acid". Sometimes the drug 5-FU designate together with the drug, called "Levamisole". It is believed that it has an impact on the immune system. There are several different ways of carrying out this therapy. Your doctor will discuss with you in detail the question of choosing the most appropriate method of treatment right for you. For more detailed information, the chemotherapeutic drugs described below.

The newest methods of treatment

There is some evidence that a supportive therapy to prevent relapse of disease, may benefit from treatment and also through the use of antibodies, which is called "the method of 17-1A" or "Panorex". Antibodies introduced into the vein of the forearm using the infusion, the procedure lasts for several hours. Treatment is usually done outpatient. This method has not yet been licensed since is currently experimental.

Chemotherapy in the secondary or advanced cancer (metastases outside the intestine) according to diagnosis Many patients after the first course of treatment for the cancer of large intestine are no longer facing any problems. Some patients develop a relapse of disease, or cancer spreading to other organs. Such cancer is called "secondary" cancer ("metastasis"). In addition, sometimes as early as the time when cancer was diagnosed for the first time, has already happened the spread of cancer cells outside the intestine.

The most important fact, which must always remember is that a secondary cancer of the bowel very often may be treated. Your doctor will take into account the large number of factors before deciding on what treatment method to nominate you. These include the following factors: how much of your body hit by a secondary cancer, how supportive you were before therapy, as well as the general state of your health. As with the use of supplementary chemotherapy in this case, you can assign the drug 5FU. It operates more efficiently if the patient uses it in combination with vitamin called "folic acid".

The drug 5FU can be administered either directly by injection into a vein of the forearm, or in the form of a long process of intravenous infusions. If the product designated in the form of prolonged infusions, it is necessary to resort to aid "central catheter", for example Hikman Catheter or Portakat Catheter. This line is a piece of flexible plastic tube of small diameter, which is injected into the main vein and the display on the sternum. In such a situation it leaves for the entire period of the designated treatment. This facilitates the introduction of patient medication and avoids the unpleasant sensations associated with repeated injections.

Before installing from a patient, local or general anesthesia is given. Such treatment can be received without interruption for several months, as a rule, it gives very weak side effects. A study, to determine the most effective way to administer patient medication 5FU, continues. There are several ways to chemotherapeutic treatment. It may take the form of course, the duration of which is usually a few days. This course takes place the patient in the hospital environment.

During the period of treatment should be a rest period lasting several weeks, during which the patient's body returns to normal, eliminating the side effects of treatment. The number of courses assigned to each specific patient depends on the type of cancer found in the patient and his reactions to drugs. Chemotherapy can also be in the form of weekly injections on an outpatient basis.

Side effects

Drugs acting on the cancer cells in the human body, can also lead to a temporary reduction in the content of normal cells in the blood. When these cells become a little, person is more susceptible to infection and quickly exhausting. During the course of chemotherapy the patient is regularly taking blood for analysis and, if necessary, makes a blood transfusion or injected antibiotics to combat any infection.

Other possible side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and diarrhea. Another side effect of chemotherapy is hair loss, but it is unusual in the case of drugs, appointed with bowel cancer. Some drugs also cause inflammation of mucous membrane of the mouth and the formation of small sores. It is important to regularly rinsing the mouth, as it is right to do, you explain to a nurse.

If you have no appetite, you can replace normal meals with nutritious drinks. In the event of sickness your doctor may prescribe you anti that weaken this sentiment, and sometimes removed altogether. Although these side effects are quite difficult to portable, they disappear immediately after treatment. If you have all the hair, they will grow surprisingly fast again. Many patients are wigs, hats or neckerchief until grow hair. BACUP Organization published a brochure "The problem of hair loss and ways to address it", which may be useful to you.

Not all chemicals are of the same side effects, but in some patients side effects of drugs were not observed. Your doctor will warn you, what problems you are likely to be faced in connection with the passage of chemotherapeutic course, if they do occur. Tell your doctor about your side effects detected, because most of them can be reduced by using special drugs. Chemotherapy acts on different people in different ways. Many people during the course of treatment can lead a normal life, while others find that they are very tiring and forced to do everything very slowly. Do as much as you can, and try not to strain.

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