Cancer Pain

Cancer pain can result from tumors pressing on bones, nerves, or organs, as well as from treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy may cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, while radiation can lead to skin irritation and discomfort

Factors Influencing Cancer Pain

Type and location of cancer
Cancer stage
Nerve damage from cancer or treatment
Emotional factors such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances
Addressing pain early is crucial, as unmanaged pain can lead to nerve changes that make future pain control more difficult.

Types of Cancer Pain

Acute Pain: Short-term pain from surgery or injury, typically subsiding with healing.

Chronic Pain: Long-lasting pain due to nerve damage from tumors or treatments, which can persist even after treatment ends. Medication and other pain control methods can effectively manage chronic pain in most cases.

Cancer Pain Treatment

Oral Medications

Oral medications effectively manage cancer pain for most patients. Consistency is key—take your medication on a regular schedule rather than waiting for severe pain to develop. Early intervention makes pain easier to control. Be cautious with nonprescription medications and consult a pain specialist before use, especially if you have a history of fever, kidney or liver disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or stomach ulcers. Prescription medications may be used alone or in combination for better pain relief.

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks involve injecting powerful anti-inflammatory agents or anesthetics near specific nerves to reduce pain and inflammation. These injections can help relieve cancer pain by disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. They are particularly effective for pain that originates from nerve compression, tumor growth, or post-surgical complications. Nerve blocks can provide temporary or long-term relief, depending on the type of injection used. Some patients may need repeated treatments to maintain pain control, and the procedure is often combined with other pain management strategies.

Intrathecal Pump

An intrathecal pump, also known as a spinal drug delivery system, delivers pain medication directly to the spinal cord. The pump, about the size of a hockey puck, is implanted under the skin and connected to a catheter that delivers medication to the intrathecal space. Because the medication is administered closer to pain receptors, smaller doses are required compared to oral medications, leading to fewer side effects. This method is often recommended for patients with severe, persistent pain that does not respond well to other treatments.

Prescription Medicines and Other Treatment Options

Prescription medications are essential for cancer pain management, often used alone or in combination. Opioids like fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone treat moderate to severe pain, while anticonvulsants and antidepressants help with nerve pain and sleep. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, bisphosphonates relieve bone pain, and local anesthetics like lidocaine provide targeted relief. When properly managed, these treatments improve pain control and enhance quality of life.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA uses electrical currents from radio waves to heat and destroy small areas of nerve tissue, reducing pain signals from the targeted area. It is particularly useful for chronic cancer pain and is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. This technique can provide long-lasting relief and is often recommended when other treatments are not effective.

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