Complications of Cancer, Side Effects of Treatment, and Methods to Lessen Physical and Psychological Effects

Complications of Cancer, Side Effects of Treatment, and Methods to Lessen Physical and Psychological Effects

Cancer patients are at risk of numerous emergencies associated with malignancy, metastasis, paraneoplastic process, or anti-cancer treatment. While these emergencies vary from minor to life-threatening, they have a mutual ground in that they warrant prompt attention and treatment to avert permanent injury. Common cancer complications are the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), spinal cord compression (SCC), and anaphylactoid reaction. Cancer remains the most common cause of SIADH. The condition occurs when the body has excess antidiuretic hormone, which balances body fluids. In excess, the hormone causes water intoxication. Spinal cord compression is another critical complication of cancer.Nursing Process Approach to Care Cancer Essay.  Metastasis of the spine occurs in five percent of patients with cancer (Boussios et al., 2018). Anaphylactoid reaction is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that mostly happens to cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin therapy.

Cancer treatments may have several side effects that occur when cancer damages healthy body cells. Side effects differ depending on the patient and the types of medicines administered. Common side effects of cancer treatment are neutropenia, lymphedema, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, problems with thinking and memory, deep vein thrombosis, and pain. Other side effects include tiredness, depression, and trouble eating.

Cancer patients can use various approaches to reduce physical and psychological impacts. For instance, they can rely on medications and oxygen to reduce the severity of symptoms. Drugs reduce physical symptoms, while oxygen reduces feelings of breathlessness. To minimize the disease’s psychological impact, patients can lean on family and friends for emotional support.