Welcome to Brainiac Breakdown, the ultimate channel for all types of medical and surgical education! Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about the fascinating world of healthcare, we've got you covered. Our mission is to break down complex medical concepts and surgical procedures into easy-to-understand, engaging content. With in-depth explanations, step-by-step tutorials, and expert insights, Brainiac Breakdown will help you level up your knowledge, boost your skills, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of medicine. Join us on this journey to master the brain and body, one breakdown at a time!
00:04Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses different drugs to destroy cancer cells and which may be recommended by a doctor to those who have cancer.
00:14In a healthy body, cells grow and divide as part of their own cycle, and the one in charge of controlling this process is the nucleus of the cell.
00:23Inside each nucleus, a genetic material called DNA contains the instructions to direct this process.
00:32Sometimes, the DNA of cells is damaged.
00:36However, the DNA responds by repairing itself or by signaling the cell to die.
00:42But when there is cancer, the DNA cannot repair itself or cause the cell to die.
00:47Even the damaged DNA causes the cell to grow and divide uncontrollably, generating more damaged cells, called cancer cells.
00:58As cancer cells multiply and crowd out normal cells, they form a tumor itself that, as it grows, develops its own blood supply.
01:07Also, because cancer cells don't stick as well as normal cells, they can break off and enter a nearby blood vessel.
01:18Cancer cells in the blood vessels can travel to other areas of the body and form additional tumors.
01:25This is called metastasis.
01:27Additional tumors can form in areas such as the lungs, liver, and bones.
01:32Another way cancer can spread to other areas of the body is through your lymphatic system.
01:39Cancer cells can enter the lymphatic vessels near the tumor and then travel to small glands called lymph nodes.
01:47If the cells pass through the nodes, they can continue to travel through the lymphatic system and form additional tumors.
01:54Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly growing and reproducing cells, which is a common characteristic of cancer cells.
02:04For its part, the tumor shrinks when cells stop dividing and die.
02:10Most chemotherapy drugs work systemically, meaning as they travel through your body in the bloodstream, they damage metastatic cancer cells as well as organs.
02:20Unfortunately, the drugs used in chemotherapy can't tell the difference between fast-growing normal cells and cancer cells.
02:29So as a result, these drugs also damage or irritate some of the fast-growing normal cells, such as those in the bone marrow, bone, digestive system, and hair follicles.
02:41For its part, death, irritation, or damage to those normal and healthy cells produces secondary effects, such as a weak immune system, nausea, and hair loss.
02:54The goal of chemotherapy is to reduce or eliminate cancer cells in the original tumor and any metastatic sites.
03:04In addition to being a primary treatment for cancer, doctors often use chemotherapy as a secondary treatment, before, during, or after other treatments for the primary cancer, such as radiation therapy or surgical removal of a tumor.
03:21Depending on the location and type of cancer, the patient may receive chemotherapy drugs intended to circulate throughout the body, including pills, capsules, or liquids by mouth, and intravenous, or intramuscular injections.
03:38Alternatively, you may receive medications administered only to the area of the tumor.
03:44One local method delivers medication to the bladder or chest through narrow tubes called catheters.
03:53Another local method injects medication into the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
04:00A third local method places slowly dissolving wafers in an area where a tumor was removed.
04:07In most cases, the patient will receive different chemotherapy drugs to increase their effectiveness.
04:12It should be ruled out that several chemotherapy treatments distributed over a period of weeks or months can be received, as this allows the body to recover between treatments and eliminate as many cancer cells as possible.
04:27Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, hair loss, decreased appetite, fatigue, anemia, bruising, and diarrhea.
04:36During chemotherapy, it is important to rest, eat nutritious foods, and take medications prescribed by your doctor to reduce or minimize these side effects.
Be the first to comment