Neuropathy
Neuropathy is usually short for "peripheral neuropathy," which refers to interruptions in the functions of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is made up of the nerves that branch out of the spinal cord to all parts of the body, but do not include nerves within the brain or spinal cord. Neuropathy does not refer to a specific
disease; instead it is a condition that can result from many different causes of damage to the peripheral nerves, including
cancer and cancer
treatments.
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Peripheral neuropathy can be categorized based on the type of nerve that has been damaged, among three types: motor nerves (which send messages from the spinal cord and brain to the muscles), sensory nerves (which send messages from the muscles to the spinal cord and brain), or autonomic nerves (which control heart rate and other involuntary or semi-voluntary functions). If only one nerve is affected, it is referred to as mononeuropathy. If several are affected it is termed mononeuritis multiplex, and if many nerves are affected on both sides of the body it is called polyneuropathy.
Depending on the type, location, and extent of nerve damage, symptoms of neuropathy will vary, and include: muscle weakness, numbness, unusual sensations, paralysis in the affected area, and a general lack of coordination and dexterity.
Chemotherapy and other drug treatments for cancer are the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in individuals with cancer, as some treatments are damaging to peripheral nerves. Occasionally, injuries sustained during radiation therapy can result in pressure on nerves, and injuries from surgery can cause peripheral nerve damage. In most cases, neuropathy symptoms due to treatment may improve or resolve within 6-12 months, though some symptoms persist beyond that.
Peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by the cancer itself pressing on a nerve in a particular area of the body. In such a scenario, the symptoms are usually confined to the area near the cancer. Some cancers, such as bone marrow cancer, can cause generalized nerve damage, and others, such as lung, breast or ovarian cancers, can induce the body to produce particular antibodies or other substances that damage nerves.