Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment - What You Need to Know

Hyperthermia is a type of cancer treatment that involves exposing body tissues to high temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells.
Category
Treatment
Where to get
Available in specialized cancer treatment centers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

hyperthermia FAQ

What does hyperthermia mean?

Hyperthermia refers to a group of heat-related conditions characterized by an abnormally high body temperature of more than 100.4°F (38°C). It is the opposite of hypothermia. The condition occurs when the body’s heat-regulation system becomes overwhelmed by outside factors, causing a person’s internal temperature to rise.

How does hyperthermia affect the body?

Hyperthermia occurs when the body can no longer release enough of its heat to maintain a normal temperature. The body has different coping mechanisms to get rid of excess body heat, largely breathing, sweating, and increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin.

What temperature is considered severe hyperthermia?

You’re said to have severe hyperthermia if your body temperature is above 104°F (40°C). By comparison, a body temperature of 95°F (35°C) or lower is considered hypothermic. The average body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Hyperthermia comes in many stages. Heat exhaustion, for example, is a common condition.

What is the most severe form of hyperthermia?

Heatstroke: The most severe form of hyperthermia is heatstroke. It’s a life-threatening condition that causes your body temperature to rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It causes problems in your brain and other organs. Heatstroke is especially dangerous if your body temperature rises above 106 degrees Fahrenheit. What is malignant hyperthermia?

What is hyperthermia & what causes it?

Hyperthermia refers to a group of heat-related conditions characterized by an abnormally high body temperature. In lay terms it is "overheating". It is an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body to deal with the heat coming from the environment.

What is severe hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is actually an umbrella term. It refers to several conditions that can occur when your body’s heat-regulation system can’t handle the heat in your environment. You’re said to have severe hyperthermia if your body temperature is above 104°F (40°C). By comparison, a body temperature of 95°F (35°C) or lower is considered hypothermic.

What is a normal body temperature if you have hyperthermia?

In humans, core body temperature ranges from 95.9°F to 99.5°F during the day, or 35.5°C to 37.5°C. In contrast, people with some level of hyperthermia have a body temperature of more than 100.4°F (38°C). A body temperature of more than 104°F (40°C) is defined as severe hyperthermia. Heat exhaustion is one of the more serious stages of hyperthermia.

hyperthermia References

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