Peripheral Neuropathy

Many patients with cancer experience peripheral neuropathy during or after chemotherapy treatments. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a result of nerve damage or nerve death caused by chemotherapy toxins accumulating in the nerves. The effects of these toxic changes typically start in the feet and hands. Peripheral neuropathy can produce a variety of symptoms that range from aggravating to painful.

Such symptoms should be reported to your healthcare provider. Because there are many kinds of peripheral neuropathy, it's important to discuss this with your oncology nurse or physician. He or she can determine what type of neuropathy you have, as well as which treatments are most likely to help it.