21 July 2010
Overview
For those suffering from cancer, pain is a major factor in their case – according to the Mayo Clinic website, one in three people in cancer treatment are suffering from cancer-related pain.
The most effective way to treat cancer pain, of course, is to remove the source of pain by treating a patient with chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. However, there are instances when removing the source of pain is not the most practical option. Cancer pain can be treated in a number of ways, but it most often treated pharmacologically. The use of over-the-counter medications like aspirin, acetaminophen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is usually the first course of action, as they are mild and easy to administer. Prescription pain medication is also a course of action that may be taken for cancer pain, however, they obviously will have more side-effects than the milder pain relief medications.
Non-pharmacologic modalities can also be used to treat pain, and have minimal, if any, side effects. Acupuncture for cancer pain has been greatly researched in the recent years. According to the National Cancer Institute, the same benefits many people can receive from acupuncture can be even more valuable for a cancer patient. Acupuncture can cause a boost to the body’s immune system, as well as cause endorphins to be released. Known as the body’s natural pain killer, endorphins also can affect the mood in a positive way – a great benefit for a cancer patient.
While a pharmacologic approach and other modalities are often the first considered, there are many procedures that can help a cancer patient manage their pain.
According to Waldman’s (2007) Pain Management, Volume I, epidural nerve blocks can provide rapid relief of painful symptoms, and can safely be performed bedside, if it is not in the patient’s best interest to move them. In cases of pancreatic cancer or abdominal tumors, Waldman (2007) states that a celiac plexus block can be extremely effective in the face of pain.
To determine what treatment may be appropriate, the origin of pain needs to be determined. Some cancer pain is caused by the cancer itself, while other cancer pain is caused by the pressure a tumor may be placing on an organ or nerves. The origin of pain may also be due the cancer treatment a patient is undergoing, such as chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
It is important to ensure that your pain management physician is working closely with your oncologist and is aware of your specific medical history. According to Raj’s (2008) Practical Management of Pain, a pain physician should obtain a full history of the cancer patient’s stage of the disease, any therapies that have been administered (chemotherapy, radiation, etc.), and if there have been any surgeries performed, among other information.
According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, many cancer patients that are suffering from extreme pain are reticent to bring the issue up to their doctor, fearing a multitude of issues, including that they do not want to add more to their doctor’s burden, or they do not want to suffer from the side effects of medications. Those with cancer pain should know that there are multiple ways to treat cancer pain, and they merely need to mention it to their physician. No one should suffer in pain.
Cancer Pain Video
This episode of The Pain Show explains cancer pain and a success story of a real patient, Ken, to demonstrate treatment options for curing cancer pain. Arizona Pain Specialists also treats a variety of pain conditions including back pain, Neck Pain, facial pain, knee pain, and many more.
References
Raj, (2008) Raj’s Practical Management of Pain.415. (Benzon, Rathmell, Wu, Turk, Argoff Eds.)Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier
Waldman, S.D. (2007) Pain Management, Volume II. 324-325. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-pain/CA00021/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/acupuncture/patient/53.cdr#Section_53
The content on this website is for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to replace your physician's advice. Please always consult your doctor before taking any advice learned here or on any other website.
