What is It? | How Does it Work? | What to Expect | How Long Does it Take? | Insurance Information | For More Information
Many people consider hair loss the most feared and common side effect of chemotherapy. The emotional effect is considerable and can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem. The Paxman Scalp Cooling System® offers a treatment that can prevent hair loss caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. NorthShore’s Kellogg Cancer Center offers this treatment to patients going through chemotherapy. Scalp cooling has been most effective for patients undergoing certain chemotherapy regimens for early stage breast cancer.
What is Scalp Cooling?
Scalp cooling is a treatment that may prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Chemotherapy works by attacking rapidly dividing cells in the body. Hair is the second fastest dividing cell in the body and this is the reason why many chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss.
How Does Scalp Cooling Work?
The damage that chemotherapy causes to hair can be alleviated by reducing the temperature of the scalp immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy.
What to Expect
Tolerance of the cold feeling experienced while having scalp cooling varies widely from person to person. Patients often have an intense feeling of discomfort from the cold in the first 10 to 15 minutes.
How Long Does Scalp Cooling Take?
If you choose to have scalp cooling during chemotherapy, you will wear the Paxman Scalp Cooling Cap pre-infusion, during chemotherapy infusion and for about 90 minutes afterward.
Side effects:
- Dizziness
- Forehead pain
- Cold related discomfort
Insurance information
This procedure is considered elective and typically is not covered by insurance. However, philanthropic funds may be available. Please ask for more information.
For More Information
For more information about scalp cooling, please contact the Kellogg Cancer Center at 847.570.2112.