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Can BCG Treatment For Bladder Cancer Lead To Loss Of Brain Cells?
Question: My father was given BCG for bladder cancer, after the cancer was gone, my father lost most of his brain cells...why?
What could have been done to prevent this from happening?
What could have been done to prevent this from happening?
Brief Answer:
Very rare side effect
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but it is very unlikely for BCG treatement of bladder cancer to cause such a serious side effect. It's side effects are usually well tolerated including body pain and burning sensation while urination. However a very rare, but potentially serious side effect of BCG is called systemic BCG reaction that can occur following exposure to BCG.. Symptoms of a systemic BCG reaction include unexplained high fever lasting 24-48 hours or more, chills, confusion, dizziness or lightheadedness or shortness of breath. A systemic BCG reaction can cause pneumonitis (inflammation in the lungs), hepatitis (inflammation in the liver), prostatitis (inflammation in the prostate gland), epididmal-orchitis (inflammation in the testes), respiratory distress and other symptoms of sepsis that may affect brain functions as well.. unfourtanetly it can not be expected as it doesn't occur except very rarely.. I hope you find this helpful..
Very rare side effect
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but it is very unlikely for BCG treatement of bladder cancer to cause such a serious side effect. It's side effects are usually well tolerated including body pain and burning sensation while urination. However a very rare, but potentially serious side effect of BCG is called systemic BCG reaction that can occur following exposure to BCG.. Symptoms of a systemic BCG reaction include unexplained high fever lasting 24-48 hours or more, chills, confusion, dizziness or lightheadedness or shortness of breath. A systemic BCG reaction can cause pneumonitis (inflammation in the lungs), hepatitis (inflammation in the liver), prostatitis (inflammation in the prostate gland), epididmal-orchitis (inflammation in the testes), respiratory distress and other symptoms of sepsis that may affect brain functions as well.. unfourtanetly it can not be expected as it doesn't occur except very rarely.. I hope you find this helpful..
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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