Cancer is a major healthcare-related concern in modern times and is a modern pandemic. Millions are affected by cancer at various sites in their body. As cancer advances, it spreads to other organs and causes pain. One of the most challenging aspects of living with cancer is managing the pain that often comes with cancer. It ranges from Mild, Moderate to Severe in intensity. With time it becomes severe in intensity and often difficult to control.

Cancer Pain may be related to the cancer itself, location, duration, spread to other tissues, compression of adjacent nerves, or sometimes treatment-related side effects. Various neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators are released which cause pain.

Symptoms

Cancer pain is typically described as dull and diffuse or sharp and localised. It may be radiating if adjacent nerves are compressed by the tumour. When understanding cancer pain and its underlying aetiology, certain factors are given consideration. These include-

• Severity of pain
• Type and Character – whether stabbing, burning, sharp or dull.
• The location of pain in the body – close to the tumour or distant site.
• Any other visual symptoms like redness or swelling associated with the cancer pain.

How To Treat Cancer Pain

Cancer pain can be managed effectively. About 90% of cancer patients with pain conditions will find relief from pain by taking various combinations of medications. Some medications are general pain relievers, while others are for specific types of pain and may require a prescription.

Asking patients to rate their pain becomes important so that our healthcare team can determine the best options for treatment. The experience could include evaluating pain from 0, indicating no pain, to 10, indicating the worst pain ever. If cancer pain prevents you from being able to take care of yourself, interferes with your daily activities, or affects your ability to get some sleep, consultation should be sought with an expert dealing in cancer pain management.

Also Read: What is Pain Management?

Pharmacological Treatment

Medicines: Painkillers like Diclofenac, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to treat mild pain.

Opioids: Weaker opioids like tramadol are used to treat mild to moderate pain not responding to simple analgesics, while moderate to severe pain is treated with stronger opioids like Morphine or Fentanyl.

Adjuvant Analgesics: These drugs modify the pain pathway and give the best results when started early in treatment. Besides pain relief, they uplift the mood of the patients and improve their quality of life. These include drugs like Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Gabapentin, Pregabalin and Duloxetine. These drugs don’t cause any side effects usually associated with long use of opioids.

Interventions and Nerve Blocks: Pain refractory to all these measures respond to nerve blocks, radiofrequency procedures or some implantable pumps which constantly deliver medicines to relieve pain in the body of the patient. Appropriate patient and procedure selection is of utmost importance. The best part of this treatment is that patients practically are without any medication for pain relief and live life as close to normal as possible.

Also Read: Radiofrequency Ablation A Minimally Invasive Treatment For Various Conditions

Non Pharmacological Treatment

In addition to medications, several non-pharmacological therapies can help manage cancer pain. these should be used only as additional and supportive measures and not the primary methods to seek relief from cancer pain.:

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and relieve pain.

Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which can help manage cancer pain.

Meditation: Meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen cancer pain. By promoting relaxation, meditation can help reduce pain levels.

Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that uses suggestion and relaxation to help manage pain and other symptoms.

Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help manage pain by improving mobility and function, reducing muscle tension, and promoting healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I manage cancer pain?

Cancer pain management depends upon the severity of pain. mild to moderate pain can be managed with NSAIDs. moderate pain needs medicines like Tramadol or Opioids for relief. severe pain needs stronger opioids. Interventional Pain management can be incorporated at any of the steps. as a rule, when the pain reaches a level where it can only be managed with opioids, interventions like nerve blocks or radiofrequency procedures sshould be considered for pain relief.

What is the best treatment to relieve cancer pain? 

The best treatment to relieve cancer pain can be either oral medicines like NSAIDs or Opioids, depending upon severity, minimally invasive interventions; or a combination of these.

How does cancer pain feel? 

Cancer pain can be sharp, dull, achy, or burning. In addition, it can be intermittent, constant, moderate, mild, or severe.

Consult Pain Medics Clinic! Your Trusted Healthcare Buddy.

At Pain Medics Clinic in Chandigarh, our priority is to enhance your well-being and assist you in living a life free from pain. We specialize in addressing Cancer Pain Management and employ cutting-edge techniques to ensure you receive the highest quality care. Our clinic is recognized for its compassionate doctors who take the time to understand your concerns and develop a tailored treatment as per your requirements. At Pain Medics Clinic, we prioritize your overall health and provide individualized care to ensure you can return to your daily activities without being hindered by pain.