What Type of Cancer Causes Hair Loss?
August 23, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Chemotherapy, which is a common treatment for various types of cancer, often leads to hair loss (alopecia) as a side effect. Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, but they can also affect normal cells in the body that naturally divide quickly, such as hair follicle cells.
Hair loss during chemotherapy occurs because these drugs disrupt the normal growth cycle of hair follicles. Hair follicles go through different phases of growth: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). Chemotherapy drugs can cause a higher percentage of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase prematurely, resulting in hair thinning and eventual hair loss.
It’s important to note that not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, and the degree of hair loss can vary depending on the specific drugs used and the dosage. Additionally, not all cancer treatments cause hair loss. Other treatments such as radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy may not have hair loss as a common side effect.
Hair loss due to chemotherapy is often temporary. After the completion of treatment, hair usually begins to grow back, although it may initially come in a different color or texture. It can take several months for hair to fully regrow to its original state.
If you or someone you know is undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing hair loss, it’s important to discuss any concerns with the medical team. They can provide information about the potential side effects of the specific treatments being used and offer support and guidance for managing hair loss during this time.