The treatment for breast cancer can sometimes damage healthy cells, tissues and therefore, there are many side effects of breast cancer treatment. These side effects depend greatly on the kind and the extent of the treatment given. Also the side effects of breast cancer treatment are not same for every woman. It varies from woman to woman and also for every session of the treatment.

The side effects of the breast cancer surgery include pain and tenderness in the operated area.  There is a high risk of infection, bleeding, poor healing of the wounds and a reaction to the anesthesia. Breast removal causes weight loss in woman that is associated with discomfort in the back and the neck area. Numbness and tingling feel in the shoulders, arms, chest and underarms. Removal of the lymph nodes causes a condition called lymphedema.

The side effects of breast cancer treatment that makes use of radiation therapy can cause damage to the heart, lungs and the ribs. The skin becomes tender, dry, red and itchy. By the end of the treatment, it becomes moist and weepy and the breast skin may either become too sensitive or less sensitive. The chemotherapy treatment has some common side effects that includes hair loss, prone to infections, bruise and bleed easily, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores. The anti cancer drugs used here causes damage to the ovaries. Thus the woman experiences the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, irregular periods and vaginal dryness. Thus she is unable to conceive.

The side effects of breast cancer treatment that makes use of Hormone Replacement Therapy are numerous. The drugs used in the therapy blocks away the use of estrogen by the body, but not the estrogen production. It leads to irritation, vaginal discharge, hot flashes, irregular periods, etc.

These side effects may be temporary and they can be healed after an appropriate recovery period. However, some of them may also be permanent. So, always consult with your doctor before deciding any type of treatment.