About one-third of people with cancer have pain. There are different types of cancer pain affected by:
Based on the cause of pain, researchers have defined different cancer pain syndromes, including:
Any type of pain experienced by a cancer patient can be considered cancer pain. The pain may be near or far from the location of the tumor. The intensity can vary. It may be chronic or intermittent pain. The pain can be described as pressure, sharp, dull, throbbing, burning, stabbing, and/or achy.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Special tests may also be done to determine possible causes of the pain. To look for structural problems such as bone fractures and lesions your doctor may use:
To evaluate for a nerve disorders (eg, neuropathy, plexopathy, or radiculopathy) your doctor may use:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Your plan will depend on the type of pain you are experiencing. It will also depend on how your cancer has been treated. Medications to treat cancer pain include the following:
To treat mild to moderate cancer pain:
Often used to treat moderate to severe cancer pain:
Antidepressants, anti-epileptics, and steroids may be effective in relieving certain types of cancer pain. These types of medication may be of benefit if the pain is thought to be related to the central nervous system. This type of pain may be called either neuopathis or central.
Radiation therapy can be used to relieve bone pain. It can also help relieve pain caused by tumors compressing other structures.
If you are diagnosed with cancer pain syndrome, follow your doctor's instructions.
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
National Cancer Institute of Canada
http://www.ncic.cancer.ca/
References:
Chronic cancer pain. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=113832 . Accessed May 23, 2007.
Pain management. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center website. Available at: http://www.mdanderson.org/topics/paincontrol/ . Accessed May 23, 2007.
VT Chang, et al. Update in cancer pain syndromes. Journal of Palliative Medicine . 2006;9(6):1414-1434.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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