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Overview
One of
the most common and noticeable side effects of cancer treatment is hair loss or
alopecia. Many patients are surprised at the emotional impact that losing the
hair during cancer treatment can have.
Ideally, the best way to deal with severe hair loss is a hair transplant. The treatment helps to give permanent results and regrowth of hair looks natural.
Chemotherapy and hair loss
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for marrow and blood cancer like lymphoma and leukemia. With the help of powerful cancer-killing medications, the patient can tell the difference between cancer cells and the body’s healthy cells. They attack any rapidly dividing cells in the body and this also includes hair follicles. Hair loss can result in thin hair to complete scalp baldness.
Radiotherapy and Hair Loss
Like in
chemotherapy, cells with a rapid turnover rate like hair follicles are
susceptible to the harmful effect of radiation therapy. Alopecia issue is
common in patients who get radiotherapy to the head such as those with certain
types of lymphoma.
If the
entire brain is treated then the problem will result in total hair loss.
However, when the targeted brain area is treated then alopecia will occur in a
patch that is relative to the treatment field.
Why is the scalp affected?
Chemo
session affects the hair which is in the active hair growth phase. Around 85
percent of the hair is in the anagen phase at any given point of time. This is
the reason, hair loss is the most common site when you undergo the treatment.
Other
sites of hair on the body such as eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic area, arms, legs,
beard, and underarms are affected which result in resting phase so they do not
get affected in the first place. It might be possible if the chemo session is
repeated over time, then these hairs can get impacted as they enter the growth
phase. Due to the chemo session, the hair will become fragile and hair can also
fall out.
When hair growth comes back?
Hair
loss due to chemo session is temporary and reversible. Once the chemo regimen
is complete, you can see the hair growth in about 4 to 6 weeks but it may not
be complete until 1 to 2 years following therapy.
Due to
the treatment, you will see fuzzy patches of hair that can come in between the
cycle. Alopecia caused by radiotherapy is permanent or temporary. People who
get lower doses of radiation to their scalp can see the growth of hair within 3
to 6 months once the therapy is complete.
Hair transplant for permanent results
Following the treatment, the patient can see the desired hair growth. During the treatment, the hair grafts are taken from the back of the scalp and then transplanted to where hair growth is extremely less.
The
doctor will diagnose your condition and give you a customized treatment plan
which helps you to see the desired results on time. For more information, you
should book your appointment with the doctor and clear all your doubts.
