• 9849797776
  • chevuru.vijay@gmail.com

What do you need to know about hair loss following blood cancer treatment?

What do you need to know about hair loss following blood cancer treatment?

    Enquiry Form

    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.

    About The Author

    gynecomastiasurgeryinvizag
    Call Now Button