Cancer Pain
Pain related to cancer
For about one-third of the cancer patients, the worse symptom of their disease is pain. Pain may be short-lived or long-lasting, mild or severe, or affect one or a few organs, bones or organ systems. There are many treatments and methods that can be used to control cancer pain. Several choices are there when it comes to getting rid of the pain associated with cancer. Treatment for cancer-related pain varies from patient to patient. Since every cancer patient’s pain is unique, so only after an appropriate medical history and a physical exam of the patient, a pain physician will adapt a suitable pain treatment. The following are the different treatment methods to reduce cancer pain.
Drug treatments – it involves many medicines which are used for cancer pain management. Some drugs are general pain relievers, while others target specific types of pain. Medicines are taken either in pill or liquid form. Some medicines are placed directly into a vein through a needle and some are placed directly into the spine using a small tube. Some of the medications are:
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Antidepressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin and trazodone
- Antiepileptics such as gabapentin
- Opioids such as morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, hydrocodone
- Steroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone
Treatments when pain is not relieved by medicines – In some cases, pain is not relieved by medicines. In those cases the following treatments are used to relieve pain:
- Radiation therapy
- Nerve blocks/implanted pump
- Surgery to remove all parts of tumor
- Neurosurgery
Non-drug pain treatments – Certain non-drug treatments for cancer pain management are:
- Breathing and relaxation exercises
- Acupuncture and acupressure
- Homeopathy
- Heat or cold packs
- Massage therapy
- Biofeedback
- Hydrotherapy
- Hypnosis
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
When cancer pain is relieved, you are more able to enjoy the life. You can eat better, sleep better and can enjoy your sexual life too. It improves the quality of your life.