Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects for Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is carcinoma of the uterus, a female sex organ that is also referred to as the womb. It occurs when malignant cancer cells form a tumor along the lining of the uterus or within the uterine muscle. Uterine cancer is often treated with chemotherapy, a type of aggressive medication that destroys cancer cells. However, chemotherapy also kills healthy cells around the cancer cells, yielding a variety of side effects.

Nausea

• A common side effect of uterine cancer chemotherapy is nausea. Uterine cancer chemotherapy targets cells that rapidly divide throughout the body, such as those found in the stomach, resulting in the destruction of healthy stomach tissue.

Sores and Ulcers

• Individuals undergoing chemotherapy for uterine cancer may also experience mouth sores and stomach ulcers as a side effect of treatment.

Menstrual Changes

• It is common for women undergoing uterine chemotherapy to notice irregularities in their menstrual cycles, such as missing periods, frequent spotting, or longer, heavier periods.

Infection Risk

• Vulnerability to infections such as the flu or common colds is also a side effect of uterine cancer chemotherapy.

Hair Loss

• Many women who are treating their uterine cancer with chemotherapy will lose hair from all areas of their body.