Cancer cells tend to reproduce and grow rapidly. Therefore, even though the cancer appears to be contained to one tumour or swollen gland, the disease has almost always spread beyond its origin. In order to kill all the lymphoma cells present throughout the body, a systemic treatment plan of chemotherapy is the preferred method.
Chemotherapy is the use of powerful anticancer drugs that are carried through the body in the bloodstream. Chemotherapy may be taken by mouth or injected into a vein, and is often chosen when cancer is present in different parts of the body. Often, a combination of drugs is prescribed to improve the chances for success. After a round of chemotherapy drugs are administered, the patient will undergo a recovery period. This cycle allows the body to rest. Then another round of drugs is administered. The total course of chemotherapy may range from three to nine months. Depending on the type of cancer, chemotherapy may be effective after surgery in preventing the cancer from returning. Depending on the type of cancer and its stage, as well as the patient’s age and overall wellness, chemotherapy may be used as a cure, to prevent spreading, slow growth, kill cancerous cells that may have spread to other parts of the body, or relieve symptoms.
As with all treatments, side effects vary from patient to patient and depend upon the degree and duration of treatment.
If you have had chemotherapy or radiation treatment and are experiencing a dry mouth, soreness or pain in your mouth, difficulty swallowing or talking, red or shiny mouth and gums, please see this article regarding Oral Mucositis and managing your oral care after treatment.
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