Definition
About one-third of people with cancer have pain. There are different types of cancer pain affected by:
- The progression of the disease
- The location in the body
- The overall physical condition
Causes
Based on the cause of pain, researchers have defined different cancer pain syndromes, including:
- Pain from the tumor—Tumors can press on bone, nerves, or an organ, resulting in pain.
- Pain related to cancer therapy—This may include pain from:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Pain unrelated to the cancer or treatment—This refers to pain in people with cancer that has nothing to do with the illness or its treatment. It may include:
- Headache
- Arthritis
- Muscle strains
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Risk Factors
Having cancer is the main risk factor for cancer pain.
Symptoms
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 off and on. The pain can be described as pressure, sharp, dull, throbbing, burning, stabbing, and achy.
Diagnosis
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.
Your doctor may need pictures of your bodily structures to look for structural problems such as bone fractures and lesions. This can be done with:
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Your doctor may need to evaluate you for nerve disorders. This can be done with:
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Your plan will depend on the type of pain you are having. It will also depend on how your cancer has been treated. Medications to treat cancer pain include:
Non-opioids
To treat mild to moderate cancer pain:
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs
Opioids
Often used to treat moderate to severe cancer pain:
- Weak opioids
- Strong opioids
Other Medications
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 neuopathic or central.
Radiation Therapy
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 .
Alternative Treatments
Acupuncture may be helpful in reducing cancer-related pain. Talk to your doctor to see if this is a good option for you.
Prevention
Usually, cancer pain is difficult to avoid. To manage your pain, the best thing you can do is talk with your doctor about any pain you have. Your doctor can help you make a plan to manage your pain.