Overview
Lymphedema is the buildup of lymph fluid in the tissues just under the skin, resulting in swelling, tightness and discomfort in the affected limb. Damage to or blockage of the lymph system is the cause of lymphedema, and in cancer patients, this damage is usually due to surgery or radiation therapy. While there is no [...]
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Lymphedema
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Heartburn
What is heartburn?
What causes heartburn?
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
How can heartburn be prevented?
How is heartburn treated?What is heartburn?
Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus which causes burning discomfort in the chest just behind the breastbone. Heartburn can occur in association with eating certain foods or taking certain drugs, including chemotherapy drugs.
The burning sensation results [...] -
Constipation
What is constipation?
What causes constipation?
What are the symptoms of constipation?
How can constipation be prevented?
How is constipation treated?What is constipation?
Constipation is difficulty passing stools or a decrease in number of stools. It may be accompanied by gas, abdominal cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen. Constipation may lead to stool impaction, a severe form of constipation [...] -
Flu-Like Syndrome
Overview
A “flu-like syndrome” is a collection of symptoms that are caused as a side effect of many cancer treatments, including some biological therapies and chemotherapy drugs. Symptoms are similar to the flu, and may include general aches and a fever. There is no single treatment for the flu-like syndrome; each symptom is managed separately.What is [...]
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Cough
Overview
A cough is a natural reaction of the body to irritants in the airway. There are many possible causes of a cough: the common cold or flu, asthma, allergies, lung infections, smoke or other pollutants. In cancer patients, a cough may also be a sign that the cancer has spread, or metastasized to the lungs.What [...]
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Common Cold
Overview
The common cold is a set of symptoms that result from a viral infection. Symptoms commonly include sneezing, runny nose, congestion and cough. Symptoms of the common cold may be treated with an antihistamine, decongestant or Tylenol®. Some newer antiviral drugs may reduce the duration and/or severity of symptoms from the common cold. However, the [...] -
Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is the development of electrolyte and metabolic disturbances that may occur following the treatment of cancer and can result in life-threatening complications if not managed appropriately. Tumor lysis syndrome is caused by the sudden, rapid death of cells, particularly cancer cells in patients with leukemia or lymphoma, in response to cancer [...]
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Electrolyte Imbalance
Overview
Electrolytes are chemicals in the body that regulate important physiological functions. Examples of electrolytes are sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Electrolyte imbalance causes a variety of symptoms that can be severe. Electrolyte imbalance is commonly caused by loss of body fluids through prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fever. The most serious forms of [...] -
Obstruction of the Veins to the Heart (Superior Vena Cava Syndrome)
Overview
Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) refers to a partial blockage of the vein (vena cava) that carries blood from the head, neck, chest and arms to the heart. Cancer is the primary cause of SVCS. SVCS is considered a medical emergency and typically requires treatment for the cancer that is causing it. Treatment may include [...] -
Blood Clots
Overview
A blood clot is a mass of thickened blood. Clotting is a mechanism used by the body to stop bleeding. A blood clot becomes harmful when it blocks an artery or vein and stops blood flow. If blood clots are diagnosed or you are considered to be at risk of forming blood clots, drugs that [...]