Paxman Scalp Cooling – “Cold Cap”
For many patients, hair loss is the most widely feared side effect of chemotherapy. It can affect self-image, be a constant reminder of the disease, and most patients would like to maintain their hair, given the choice. Because of this, Arizona Oncology offices in Tucson/Southern Arizona are pleased to offer Paxman Scalp Cooling, also known as “cold cap.”
How does it work?
Chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells, including hair cells. Scalp cooling works by lowering the temperature of the scalp before, during, and after chemotherapy treatments, causing blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow to the hair follicles. The Paxman system achieves this by running cold water through the cap while you are wearing it. The coldness is generally uncomfortable for the first 10 to 15 minutes, and more tolerable after that.
Scalp cooling does not work on every chemotherapy regimen but has been shown to be very effective for many therapies, including some early stage breast cancer treatments.
If you’d like to try the Paxman Scalp Cooling system or for more information, please call your nearest Tucson/Southern Arizona office.