Ovarian Cancer Treatments: Combatting Hair Loss after Chemotherapy
March 23, 2021 – What is Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer? Baby powder ovarian cancer is ovarian cancer caused by many years of using J & J baby powder with talc or other powders containing talc in the genital region for feminine hygiene. It is theorized that tiny talc particles travel through a woman’s reproductive system, finding their way to the ovaries where they embed themselves and cause inflammation. Over a period of years, this inflammation can cause ovarian cancer.
What is the DigniCap Scalp Cooling System? Since chemotherapy affects cells that are in division and growth, all body cells can be affected. Healthy cells with a high growth rate—like hair—are more likely to be adversely affected by chemotherapy drugs. Scalp cooling is a proven approach to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss; reducing the temperature to the scalp decreases the blood flow to the area, allowing less chemotherapy to reach the scalp.
This results in hair cells not being exposed to the full dose of chemotherapy, making hair loss less likely. The lower temperature also decreases metabolism, slowing the normal cellular activity in the scalp area. DigniCap’s patented features include two dedicated temperature regulation sensors in each cap that monitor scalp temps, and a third to ensure the temperature does not fall below freezing.
Why Do Some Hospitals Offer the DigniCap System While Others Don’t? Not all hospitals offer the DigniCap System. To determine whether your hospital offers DigniCap, you can look at the list of all the U.S. hospital locations that currently offer DigniCap. Perhaps one reason DigniCap is not offered by all hospitals is because the treatment is costly. Only about 50 or so medical centers across 17 states offer DigniCap, and the costs ($1,500-$3,000) are not covered by most insurance carriers.
What is the Success Rate of the DigniCap System? The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System received FDA clearance in 2015, becoming the first FDA approved scalp cooling system to treat chemotherapy-induced hair loss for breast cancer patients. The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System was later approved for use in solid tumor cancers, such as prostate, ovarian, uterine, lung, and other tissues. DigniCap achieved 66.3 percent success with taxane chemotherapy drugs, and 50.5 percent overall.
Are There Other “Enhanced” Treatment Options Offered to Some Ovarian Cancer Patients? There are a number of cold caps and scalp cooling systems that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. A cold cap is similar to an ice pack—it is kept in a special freezer prior to being worn and must be replaced every thirty minutes during the chemotherapy session. These caps and special freezers are usually rented, under the names of ElastoGel, Penguin, and Chemo Cold Caps. Scalp cooling systems like DigniCap and the Paxman System, are purchased by cancer treatment centers who then charge patients to use the system during chemotherapy.
Are There Side Effects to the DigniCap System? Many women get headaches while wearing the DigniCap or other cold caps. Because the DigniCap can cause you to get very cold, you should always dress warmly and even bring a warm blanket with you if you plan on using the DigniCap system. It is also recommended that those who choose to use the DigniCap system while undergoing chemotherapy treat their hair very gently during chemotherapy treatments.
Should You File a Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit? If you have been diagnosed with talcum powder ovarian cancer, it is important for your future that you have solid answers to all your questions. You may choose to file a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit against the manufacturer of the talcum powder you used, such as Johnson & Johnson. Sullo & Sullo can provide an experienced baby powder ovarian cancer attorney who can help you determine whether a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit is right for you. Contact a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer today.
