ABC Medical Center > Procedures > Chemotherapy

What is chemotherapy?

9 April 2021

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Chemotherapy treatment refers to the use of chemical substances that are intended to eliminate malignant cells, reduce the size of tumors, and reduce the symptoms of different types of cancer. 

Chemotherapy can be induced through intravenous injections, by consuming pills, or by using a topical gel for certain types of skin cancer.

Although chemotherapy can usually be considered the exclusive treatment for various types of cancer, it can also be used for other types of procedures and conditions, such as a bone marrow transplant or autoimmune diseases.

Risks and side effects:

Your ABC doctor will decide on the best treatment option according to your health and the type of cancer that has been detected. 

Chemotherapy is still currently the most widely used alternative to treat different types of cancer, although there are some possible side effects, such as:

  • Opportunistic infections.
  • Hair loss.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Kidney problems.
  • Bruising.
  • Digestive problems (constipation and/or diarrhea).
  • Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
  • Sexual impotence and infertility.
  • Cognitive problems and emotional instability.

Many of these side effects last only a few days and can be lessened with other medications. In certain occasions, the effects could last longer and cause discomfort. Don’t worry, your ABC doctor will be looking out for you to guide you and help you reduce any discomfort.

At the ABC Cancer Center, we have more than eight years of experience providing chemotherapy schemes and innovative drugs on an outpatient basis, following care protocols that guarantee the quality and safety of treatments in a comfortable and private environment.

Related centers and departments

Experience, state-of-the-art technology, and state-of-the-art facilities

Since its opening in 2009, our Cancer Center offers chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the level of the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for cancer patients, where we included the most innovative therapies in comfortable facilities specially designed for your peace of mind and comfort.

Fuentes: 

  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • cancer.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Font DMV, Legra BE, Torres TN, et al. Evaluación de la calidad de la atención de enfermería en pacientes oncológicos tratados con quimioterapia. MediSan. 2014;18(11):1560-1566.
  • Gómez-Robles J, Domingo-Pozo M. Plan de cuidados estandarizado para el paciente sometido a quimioterapia siguiendo las taxonomías NIC y NOC, investigación y cuidados, 2003; 1(2): 28-37.
  • Jacobson JO, Polovich M, McNiff KK, LeFebvre KB, Cummings Ch, Galioto M, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology/Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(32):5469-75.

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.