Understanding Palliative Chemotherapy: Side Effects and Symptom Management

Palliative chemotherapy focuses on treating the symptoms of the cancer rather than curing it, which is true of regular chemotherapy. The idea is that if a patient has fewer symptoms, he might lead a longer life. However, the treatment still has some specific side effects.

Pain

• Patients who undergo palliative chemotherapy often experience pain in the joints and muscles. Pain can also be centralized around the area associated with the cancer.

Digestive Problems

• Some patients experience bouts of constipation or diarrhea.

Sores

• Small sores in the mouth are another side effect of palliative chemotherapy. These sores are usually small, red bumps inside the mouth and on the tongue.

Hair Loss

• Hair loss is the most common side effect of any type of chemotherapy. Hair may fall out in large clumps or fall out slowly over time.

Stomach Problems

• Vomiting and nausea are the two most common side effects of chemotherapy. They are usually the worst right after the procedure.