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Does Chemotherapy Caause Peripheral Neuropathy?
Question: I had lung cancer. 2/3 of right lung removed...lower......05/01/14. Waiting for chemo to start. I already have peripheral neuropathy from back trauma. Currently taking 12 300mg Gabapentin . I am a 58 year old male. This was my first surgery. The thought of chemo making my neuropathy worse scares me to death........HELP!
Brief Answer:
no it wont
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
Don't worry, chemo won't affect you neuropathy much.
Chemotherapy kills the rapidly dividing cells of the body like cancer cells, skin cells, hair follicles and blood cells. That's why chemo has side effects of hair fall, dry skin and reduced blood count leading to decreased immunity.
Nerves don't divide after their full maturation which happens by five years of age. So they will not be harmed.
Hope i have been helpful.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
no it wont
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
Don't worry, chemo won't affect you neuropathy much.
Chemotherapy kills the rapidly dividing cells of the body like cancer cells, skin cells, hair follicles and blood cells. That's why chemo has side effects of hair fall, dry skin and reduced blood count leading to decreased immunity.
Nerves don't divide after their full maturation which happens by five years of age. So they will not be harmed.
Hope i have been helpful.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Then why was I told it would? The face my oncologist made when I told her I already peripheral neuropathy would disagree .
Brief Answer:
Its very rare
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Usually peripheral neuropathy are autoimmune diseases and you are given immune suppressants drugs to control the disease.
Chemotherapy also decreases the immunity, so chances of getting secondary infection are very high. And sometimes your blood cell counts might get dangerously low to warrant stopping the chemo in the middle.
Rarely it might flare up your neuropathy if the drug given has neurotoxicity as one of its side effects.
Maybe fearing all this your oncologist is little hesitant.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
Its very rare
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Usually peripheral neuropathy are autoimmune diseases and you are given immune suppressants drugs to control the disease.
Chemotherapy also decreases the immunity, so chances of getting secondary infection are very high. And sometimes your blood cell counts might get dangerously low to warrant stopping the chemo in the middle.
Rarely it might flare up your neuropathy if the drug given has neurotoxicity as one of its side effects.
Maybe fearing all this your oncologist is little hesitant.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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