Question on Chemotherapy

Dear Dr. Spence,
I am a cancer patient who now suffers from hair loss as a consequence of chemotherapy. Outside of wigs, are there any other options for hair loss that may appear more natural?
Signed,
I. Wantta Brush

Dear I. Wantta,
Alopecia (hair loss) due to chemotherapy is one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment. Unfortunately, therapy aimed at cancerous cells is generally non-selective to the malignant cells and it may affect others in the body as well. Generally, it may affect the more rapidly dividing cells (such as hair) and alopecia may appear within days of actual therapy. Though it does grow back, it may take upwards of three to six months to regain a full head of hair. Hair loss may also occur after radiation therapy, but usually it is isolated to specific areas undergoing treatment. Hair loss in these cases is usually temporary, but the speed and type of re-growth is dependent upon the length and quantity of radiotherapy received. It may take six to twelve months for re-growth and may be patchy or dissimilar to one’s current hair. Of course, alopecia can be horribly distressing to patients. In addition to the already existing burden of disease, this change in appearance may further affect self-esteem and confidence. A new technology involves a procedure known as cranial prosthetics. It offers a more realistic approach to alopecia and provides patients more freedom with their hairstyle and maintenance of such. Multiple measurements are made of each person’s head which helps assure a perfect fit. Specific information regarding a patient’s lifestyle is obtained in order to guarantee optimal results. This may include a patients swimming habits or desire to wear or remove the prosthesis at night. Cranial prosthetics are made from real hair which may allow it to be curled, colored, permed and styled over and over again. The advantage over a wig is fairly obvious in this case. As a whole, these appear more natural than their wig counterparts and have more versatility. Insurance companies have generally been receptive to cranial prosthetics, allaying fears of further expense. I encourage any patient or family member who is experiencing alopecia as a result of chemotherapy or radiotherapy to fully investigate the options that are available. For further information on local cranial prosthetic providers, contact Advanced Hair Care Solutions at 850-482-6030.

Do you have any medical questions or concerns that you would like addressed? You can contact Dr. Spence by email at scripna@hotmail.com or by mailing your question to Daily Dose, P.O BOX 6107, Marianna, FL 32446.