Side effects of chemotherapy can occur after treatment has ended, or even years after treatment. In many instances, side effects of chemotherapy on the liver are short term and reversible. Depending on the type of chemotherapy received, your liver may be affected. However, your doctor will closely monitor you and do routine blood work to make sure that serious complications do not occur as a result of your chemo treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, individuals who are older or suffer from hepatitis are more likely to develop liver issues.
Jaundice
A common side effect of chemotherapy is jaundice. Drugs such as methotrexate and strepotozocin can cause liver damage. When jaundice occurs, the skin and whites of the eyes become yellowed. Swelling of hands and feet may also occur, and it is strongly recommended that if you get jaundice, to not take Tylenol for pain, as this can worsen the liver damage. If you begin to develop rashes, abdominal pain or bleeding from a wound that does not stop, seek immediate medical attention, as this may mean that the jaundice is worsening.
Hepatotoxicity
Hepatotoxicity can be either mild or severe. In severe instances, your liver can be damaged to the point where hepatitis or inflammation of the liver occurs. When you begin to suffer from hepatotoxicity, you body becomes overly fatigued, and normal daily activities may become difficult. Stools may become lighter, and, in some cases, your stool may appear clay colored. The body also begins to retain fluid to the point of gaining water weight. If you gain more than 5 lbs. in one week, speak with your health care provider, as this can be a serious complication with your liver.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Liver enzymes are produced by the liver. If the liver becomes damaged, the enzymes will increase. When you have higher levels of enzymes, your blood is no longer able to properly clot. For example, if you cut yourself, the wound can't form a clot, and it will take longer for the bleeding to stop. Jaundice can occur, as well as abdominal pain. In most cases, when your liver enzymes are elevated, it may mean that there is an infection or blockage within the liver.
Bilirubin Levels
When red blood cells begin to break down within your blood, bilirubin is released. In the liver, the bilirubin creates bile. If the blood begins to have an increase in bilirubin, then this is a sign that possible liver damage is prevalent. Most notable will be a change in the whites of your eyes as your blood levels increase. You may also have the inability to urinate properly. If increased bilirubin levels are noticed, drugs such as diurectics like Lasix will be prescribed to help your liver flush out extra fluids.
Causes
Unfortunately with chemotherapy, the drugs used to fight the cancer cannot discern between healthy and growing cancer cells. When you receive chemotherapy, side effects occur as a result of normal cells that can become damaged as the chemo tries to attack dividing cancer cells. Thankfully, most side effects become resolved after treatment ends.
Warning
Receiving chemotherapy is an individual choice, and many people experience varying symptoms. However, if you begin to experience jaundice, fatigue to the point of not being able to function, or nausea/vomiting, seek immediate medical attention. Other serious side effects that need medical attention are non-stop bleeding, blood in the urine, difficulty in urinating, swelling of your limbs, increase in weight rather than a decrease, or swelling of the face.
Tags: your liver, after treatment, liver damage, medical attention, side effects