Chemotherapy side effects: Man's eyelashes grow by half an inch and curl dramatically after cancer treatment

Doctors say that if necessary, one can trim the eyelashes to prevent misdirection. This can lead to ocular complications like ulcers and corneal erosions. (Photo credit: JAMA)

New Delhi: Chemotherapy side effects are often, for most people, limited to loss of hair and compromised immune function. But in a case reported in Spain, a man's eyelashes overgrew and curled as a result of cancer treatment. His eyelashes also developed a dramatic curl after undergoing chemotherapy for bowel cancer. Doctors in Spain said that the patient underwent drug-induced trichomegaly which can cause eyelashes to grow by half an inch. Doctors found that the symptoms appear within the initial months of treatment and resolve once the same is discontinued.

Doctors say that if necessary, one can trim the eyelashes to prevent misdirection. This can lead to ocular complications like ulcers and corneal erosions.

What is trichomegaly?

Trichomegaly is a disorder of the eyelashes wherein their colour, length, thickness, and curling alters. This can be a consequence of several factors such as genetic anomalies, HIV, or medications. The case, which was published in JAMA Dermatology, was a side effect of a chemotherapy drug known as panitumumab.

Panitumumab can cause skin problems in 80% of patients and it can take a toll on hair texture and eyelashes too. At the hospital, the patient had complained of severe acne in the chest and back. Doctors also noted the effect of the drug on the eyelashes and prescribed antibiotic pills and antifungal creams to reduce acne. He was also advised to carefully trim the eyelashes. While this side effect is largely harmless, they are likely to grow towards the eyeballs which are risky. It may cause vision loss, blindness, and ulcers in severe cases.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a process that is used to kill cancer cells with cytotoxic drugs. This process circulates through the body in the blood to kill or treat cancer cells everywhere. It can either be the main treatment or can shrink a tumour before radiotherapy or surgery. But in some cases, cancer can relapse despite chemotherapy. The common side effects of chemotherapy are:

1. Hair loss
2. Pale skin
3. Vomiting
4. Nausea
5. Dry skin
6. Memory changes
7. Breathlessness

• Cancer

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