Anyone who has gone through cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, knows very well how painful and annoying it is to have to have a cannula inserted into the arm and have a vein punctured every time. It is a big burden on the mind to have to poke yourself like this before each treatment. But you will be surprised to know that there is a very good and safe solution to this inconvenience. That solution is the 'Port' that we are talking about today.
Simply put, what is a port?
Imagine this, this is a small, round device about the size of a five rupee coin. It is surgically inserted under your skin, usually in the upper chest, near the collarbone. Then from this port, a thin, soft tube, which in medicine we call a 'catheter', is connected to a large blood vessel near your heart.
Now do you understand how it works? When you need to give yourself medicine, the nurse uses a special needle to inject the medicine through your skin into this port. The medicine then travels down the catheter and directly into your large blood vessel, where it travels throughout your body. It's very simple, isn't it?
So, what are the advantages of having a port?
There are many benefits to using a port. This is a great convenience for a patient.
- No need for frequent needle sticks: The biggest advantage is that you don't have to find a vein in your arm and insert a cannula for every chemotherapy treatment. Just stick the needle into the port once and you're done.
- It's also easy to get blood: If you need to get a blood sample, it can often be done through this port, so you don't have to get a separate needle for that either.
- Less pain: Some people may think that piercing the skin and inserting the needle into the port will hurt. There is a solution to that too. Before the nurse inserts the needle, they can apply a numbing cream, such as lidocaine cream, to the skin where the port will be. Then you won't even feel the needle when it's inserted.
- No leakage of medication: Sometimes, a small amount of medication can leak out of a regular IV cannula, damaging the skin and surrounding tissue. This risk is much lower with a port.
- You can receive treatment from home: Some chemotherapy treatments need to be administered over several days. It can be risky to stay at home with an IV in your arm. It can come off during sleep. But the port is very safe. So you can receive this treatment from home without having to stay in the hospital.
Is it difficult to live a normal life with a port?
Not at all. In fact, for most people, living with a port is very simple and easy. Once the small wound where the port was inserted has healed, you can bathe, swim, and do anything else you feel like doing without any fear.
The most important thing is that when you're not using the port, you don't need to put a bandage over it or take any special care of it.
You don't have to change the way you eat, drink, sleep, or drive. But there is one thing. Some people may feel a little uncomfortable because the seat belt goes over the port when driving. There are very simple solutions to that. Just put a cover on the seat belt, a small soft pillow, or a soft towel in that area, and that discomfort will go away.
When you touch the port, it will feel like a small lump under the skin, and maybe even look like it. But when you're wearing clothes, it won't even be visible to someone outside.
Risks to be aware of
No matter how convenient a port is, like any medical device, there are a few minor risks we need to be aware of. It's important to be aware of these.
| Risk | What you need to know and do |
|---|---|
| Blood Clots | Having cancer is a slightly higher risk of blood clots. Having a foreign object like a port inside a blood vessel can increase that risk even more. Prevention: When the port is not in use, it should be flushed on a regular schedule. This means washing the port and tubing with saline solution or heparin, a blood thinner, or both. This is done by a nurse in the hospital. Usually, you should flush every 4-6 weeks, or every 3 months for some types of ports. Your healthcare team will advise you on this. Symptoms to watch out for: If you develop swelling in your arm, shoulder, neck, or head , it could be a sign of a blood clot. Call your doctor immediately. |
| Infections | Infections can occur in the skin or bloodstream at the site of the port. This is a very serious, even life-threatening condition. Prevention: You and anyone who touches your port (including nurses) should definitely wash their hands thoroughly. Cleanliness is the most important thing. Symptoms to watch out for: redness, swelling, pain, or pus-like discharge around the port. Also, if you experience fever, weakness, dizziness, or chest pain , notify your medical team immediately. |
A word about the psychological impact
For some people, having a port in their body can be a constant reminder that they have cancer. This can be a bit difficult mentally. They may feel different about their body, about themselves.
It's important to talk about this too. Whether or not you want to have a port inserted is entirely up to you. You can also discuss with your doctor whether you want to remove it after treatment or leave it in for a while. Some people want to remove it as soon as treatment is finished. Others want to keep it in for a while to see how things go. Some people, tired of having to get the needle inserted, decide to keep it in forever.
The final decision is yours. So, be open about any questions or fears you have about this with your doctor and your family.
Take-Home Message
- A medical port is a small device placed under the skin to facilitate access to cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy.
- This avoids the inconvenience and pain of frequent cannulation and lancing to obtain blood.
- The two main risks associated with a port are blood clots and infection. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as swelling in your arm, neck, or face, redness around the port, pain, or if you have a fever.
- Once the wound where the port was placed has healed, you can resume your daily activities as usual.
- Whether you choose to have a port placed or have it removed after treatment is entirely your personal decision. Never hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your medical team.
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