Cancer and its treatment can cause several complications, including:
- Side effects of cancer treatment. Cancer treatments frequently cause side effects that can be temporary or that can last for months and years after treatment. Many side effects can be treated or managed. Ask your doctor what types of side effects you can expect from your cancer treatment. You may factor these side effects into your treatment decisions.
- Unusual immune system reactions to cancer. In some cases your body’s immune system may react to the presence of cancer by attacking healthy cells. Called paraneoplastic syndromes, these unusual reactions can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, such as fever, difficulty walking and seizures.
- Cancer that spreads. As cancer advances it may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Where cancer spreads depends on the type of cancer. In general, cancer that has spread may be managed, but can’t be cured.
- Cancer that returns. Cancer survivors have a risk of cancer recurrence. Some cancers are more likely to recur than others. Ask your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk of cancer recurrence. Your doctor may devise a follow-up care plan for you after treatment. This plan may include periodic scans and exams in the months and years after your treatment to look for cancer recurrence.
Mayo Clinic Staff