Chemotherapy is a drug treatment, which is done by killing fast-growing cells in the body with the use of powerful chemicals. This treatment is generally used to treat cancer patients as cancer cells tend to grow and multiply at a much faster rate compared to most cells in our body. Chemotherapy is provided generally to cure the patient or may aim to increase life or reduce symptoms of the patient. Chemotherapy is used in the case of advanced-stage breast cancer, which helps to kill the cancer cell as much as possible. Each chemotherapy treatment can last a few hours or a few days depending on the combination of drugs. Frequency of chemotherapy depends on the type of drug being used and the treatment plan.

How it is conducted?

Chemotherapy mostly involves infusion into a vein. A tube with a needle is injected into the vein in the patient’s arm or into a device in a vein in the patient’s chest. Some chemotherapy drugs can also be taken in the form of a pill or capsule.

How to prepare for this test:

Follow the instructions strictly given by your doctor for chemotherapy treatment. If you are receiving your chemotherapy treatment intravenously into a vein your doctor may recommend a device such as a catheter, port, or pump. This device is surgically inserted into a large vein usually in your chest. Before undergoing chemotherapy treatment one should undergo a test to know if the body is ready to receive chemotherapy. Often doctors suggest the patient to visit a dentist to check teeth for signs of infection. Usually, chemotherapy leaves patients with some side effects and it’s good to know about them from your doctor, which could occur during or after chemotherapy and make appropriate arrangements. It is always recommended to have a friend or family member drive you to your first treatment.

Average cost of the chemotherapy in Siliguri:

The cost of chemotherapy could differ depending on the condition and time duration. It is generally done is cycles and could cost anywhere from 30,000 to a few lakh of rupees.

Is a prescription required to do chemotherapy:

Yes, a prescription is required for chemotherapy.

Where can I do this test:

Chemotherapy can be done at the hospital or a doctor’s clinic under medical supervision. Having a portable pump at home enables you to take chemotherapy at home or if you are taking chemo medicines as a pill.

Is this test painful?

Use of some chemotherapy drugs can cause painful side effects such as ache in the muscles and joints, and headache. You also may feel burning, tingling, numbness or shooting pains in the hand and feet.

Importance of the test:

Chemotherapy is primarily used to lower the total number of cancer cells in the body, reduce the chances of cancer spreading, shrink the tumor size, and reduce current symptoms. In the case of late state of cancer, chemotherapy is also used to relieve the pain. Apart from cancer treatment chemotherapy may also be used to treat patients with bone marrow diseases for bone marrow stem cell treatment and also may be used for immune system disorders.