Certain drugs used in chemotherapy and other cancer treatment has a damaging effect on the nerves supplying both the extremities. The peripheral nerves carry the message from the brain and spinal cords to the hands and legs.
Peripheral neuropathy caused due to chemotherapy is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Apart from chemotherapy other factors causing peripheral neuropathy are –
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy range from mild to severe and may appear during or after the treatment. The symptoms may be temporary or permanent.
Various symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend upon the nerves damaged. The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are –
Peripheral neuropathy related to cancer treatment can affect anyone. However, the symptoms of neuropathy become worse if the patient is diabetic, malnourished, alcoholic, or any prior history of neuropathy.
Report the symptoms to your doctor for better management. Peripheral neuropathy as a result of certain treatments gradually disappears with time. Some may recover in months or years and in some, the problem persists forever.
Consult your oncologist and report the symptoms of any other medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend you to undergo the neurophysiologic test.
Electromyography, the study of nerve conduction, and the sensory test is used to examine the function of peripheral nerves.
An imaging test is used to diagnose the cause of nerve damage.
Common chemotherapy drugs causing peripheral neuropathy
Some of the common chemotherapy drugs that cause peripheral neuropathy are-
Peripheral neuropathy requires detailed evaluation especially in cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. There are many safe and effective ways to manage peripheral neuropathy.
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