Cancer patients may experience pain from the disease itself or as an adverse effect of therapy. Your anesthesiologist Delray Beach will try to determine the source of your pain by acquiring a medical history and undertaking a physical exam. Also, cancer pain might be directly linked to tissue damage. Tumors can harm or press on your tissues, bones, or nerves. They can cause obstructions in your hollow body parts, like the digestive system, blood vessels, and lymph vessels. Patients can also experience pain from cancer therapy, especially after surgery. It can also occur after chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.
An overview of cancer pain
Cancer pain refers to pain from cancer or cancer therapy. Not everyone with cancer has pain, but most cancer patients do. Studies show pain is one of cancer’s most prevalent and feared indicators. Cancer discomfort can range from mild to severe. It may manifest as a sharp stabbing pain that comes and goes, a tingling or burning feeling, or a chronic ache. Cancer pain impairs your quality of life. It can exacerbate some cancer symptoms and therapy side effects. It also raises your chances of having depression and anxiety. That’s why pain management is a vital part of cancer therapy.
Medicines used to treat cancer pain
- Mild to moderate pain: Acetaminophen and a class of pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can address mild to moderate pain. Many of these are over-the-counter medications that do not need a prescription, but some require one. You should check with your specialist before utilizing these drugs, particularly if undergoing chemotherapy. NSAIDs can impair blood clotting, induce gastrointestinal and kidney issues, and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Moderate to severe discomfort: Narcotic pain relievers include codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, oxycodone, and tramadol. Narcotic pain relievers must be prescribed and can be used in conjunction with mild pain relievers to treat moderate to severe pain.
- Tingling and burning pain
This pain can be debilitating and requires urgent intervention.
- Antidepressants: Specific antidepressants are utilized to ease the pain even if you aren’t depressed. Amitriptyline and nortriptyline, and duloxetine are antidepressants occasionally used to address pain.
- Anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications): Despite the name, anticonvulsants are not only for seizures but also to treat burning and tingling discomfort, painful indicators of nerve injury.
- Other drugs: Corticosteroids like prednisone are used to reduce swelling, which often causes discomfort.
Alternative or complementary cancer pain therapies
According to the NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health), therapies like acupuncture and hypnosis may alleviate some cancer pain or painful cancer treatment adverse effects. These therapies aren’t substitutes for medical cancer pain treatment. Talk to your specialist before beginning any alternative or complementary cancer pain treatment if you have cancer.
Cancer pain, or the pain caused by cancer and its treatment, can be managed most of the time. There are various medicines and techniques available to address cancer pain. Those with cancer and who are feeling pain should inform their doctor immediately. The earlier pain therapy begins, the more effective it may be. Call Florida Pain Management Institute or book your meeting online to determine which cancer pain treatments are right for you.
