Continuing on the topic of late effects due to cancer treatments, we will discuss treatment areas and the correlated late effects that can develop. Types of childhood cancer typically dictate the general location affected by both the tumor and treatment. There are typically three types of cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, Surgery and Radiation, along with any additional therapy as needed.
Three Types of Cancer Treatments
- Chemotherapy: This type of therapy are medicines used to kill cancerous cells, shrink the tumor, and to prevent it from spreading. They are generally given through an IV but sometimes can be an oral medicine.
- Surgery: As an option for treatment is dependent on the location of the tumor. If it’s location is at a higher risk of damaging other parts of the body, then surgery is typically not a viable option. As the goal of surgery is to completely remove the tumor, the risks of deformation or even loss of function is taken into consideration before treatment. Some surgeries may need a specialized surgeon of that body area affected. Keep in mind even surgeries can create a late effect depending on the circumstances.
- Radiation: Just like the medicines used in chemotherapy, radiation also is used to kill cancerous cells and stop it from growing. When a tumor is located in a location that would be difficult for surgery, doctors can use types of radiation like high-energy x-rays to kill it off. Radiation is also often used together with chemotherapy.
The child’s age, tumor location and type, along with the amount of area affected all will direct the stages of effective treatment options. The area of the body where the tumor was growing and received the treatment will typically dictate the types of potential late effects.
Lower Abdomen, Pelvis, Spine
Treatments to remove/shrink cancerous tumors in these areas can lead to late effects such as:
- Fertility Problems
- Irregular periods
- Early Menopause
- Digestive System Problems
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
Upper Abdomen, Chest, Spine
Treatments to remove/shrink cancerous tumors in these areas can lead to late effects such as:
- Heart Problems
- Leaky heart valves
- Problems with the heart’s blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease
- Weakness of the heart muscle
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Heart failure
- Lung Development and Breathing Problems
- cause lung damage
- Shortness of breath, which might be worse with exercise
- Constant cough
- Lung tissue that becomes scarred
- Increased risk of lung infections
- Increased risk for lung cancer later in life
Brain, Head, Neck
Treatments to remove/shrink cancerous tumors in these areas can lead to late effects such as:
- Growth and Development Problems
- Reduced or uneven growth
- Learning and Memory Problems
- Lower academic achievement test scores
- Problems with memory and attention
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Slowed development over time
- Behavior problems
- difficulty in solving problems
- trouble planning and time management
Mouth, Eyes, Ears
Treatments to remove/shrink cancerous tumors in these areas can lead to late effects such as:
- Dental Problems
- dry mouth
- gum disease
- Cavities
- tooth development problems.
- Teeth that are too sensitive to hot or cold
- Short tooth roots (which can lead to early loss of teeth)
- Vision Problems
- Cataracts, or clouding of the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Excessive tears
- Poor vision
- Light sensitivity
- Poor night vision
- Other problems that can affect vision
- Hearing Problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Trouble hearing words when background noise levels are high
- Partial hearing loss ( in need of hearing aids)
Muscles, Bones, Soft Tissues
Treatments to remove/shrink cancerous tumors in these areas can lead to late effects such as:
- Growth and Development Problems
- Lead to Scoliosis (curved spine)
- Bone pain
- Joint stiffness
- Weak bones that can break easily
- Decreased calcium in the bones
Check Back with Us!
At Sydni Smiles, we know parents have a lot of questions and information can be hard to break down into what’s relevant to your situation. This is why we strive to share information and raise awareness of related topics concerning childhood cancer. Next month we will discuss the details about what a treatment summary and survivorship care plan is. So check back in for more information later!
Additional Information:
https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/healthy-living
https://www.childrensoncologygroup.org/index.php/lateeffectsoftreatment