Cancer Pain: Causes and Treatment
To be clear, there is not always pain that occurs with cancer; however, for one in three cancer patients, pain is a reality that has to be dealt with. In most cases, cancer pain occurs because the cancer has spread to nearby tissue, which damages the tissue causing discomfort and pain. In addition, extreme pain often happens when the cancer puts pressure on bones, nerves and other organs in the body. When cancer continues and the tumor grows, the pain often becomes unbearable; this happens because the tumor will advance even closer to the nerves and organs in the surrounding cancer area.
It is important to note; besides pain that is produced by the tumor and cancer, the pain that is felt can occur due to treatment methods that are used too. The most common treatments that cause the most pain are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. There are three types of pain that occur when the cancer spreads and they are somatic pain, neuropathic pain and visceral pain. In addition, there are two different types of pain; acute and chronic pain. Examples of acute pain that are associated with cancer are operations and wounds. Chronic pain is pain that begins when changes to nerves occur. When tumors press on nerves or produce chemicals, the nerves can change. In addition, chemotherapy, radiation and other forms of cancer treatment can also initiate nerve changes, too.
Keep in mind; there are various ways to treat pain. One way is to remove the source of the pain; such as with radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or other type of treatment. If these treatments don’t work, medications can often control and provide some sort of relief from the pain. Examples of these medications are: over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers such as Tylenol, aspirin and ibuprofen. Nerve blocks can also be applied. Nerve blocks are a local anesthetic that is injected around or into a nerve. Additional therapies that help some are acupressure, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, meditation and relaxation.
It is important to note; there are side effects of pain treatment. For example, chemotherapy has side effects such as fatigue, nausea, infection and hair loss; however, it can be effective in lessening and relieving pain if it shrinks the tumor. Relaxation techniques and medications can also help with the nausea.
In addition, pain medications also have side effects; one of which is constipation. However, this can be treated with various bowel regimens such as a stool softener. Other side effects of strong pain medications are lethargy, confusion and sleepiness. Some may not know it; but common over-the-counter pain relievers could damage your kidneys or increase your blood pressure.
There are certain times and instances when you should talk with your doctor about pain; especially when pain interferes in your daily activities. In addition, you can help your doctor with his evaluation by keeping track of your pain by noting how strong it is, where it is located, what activities make it worse, what makes it worse, what makes it better and how the pain is affecting your daily life.
Most importantly, there are steps you can take to ensure that you receive adequate pain treatment such as first talking with your doctor if you are having pain. Then, between you and your doctor, set a goal for pain management and then monitor how successful the treatment goes toward reaching that goal. If you find that you are not getting the help you need, ask for a referral to a major cancer center. Some studies show that anti-depressants are helping with pain; it reduces the burning and tingling types of cancer pain. Heat and cold treatment helps to lessen pain for some.
There are several tips that can help you manage pain such as controlling it before it become severe, calling your nurse or doctor about your pain, not letting the fear of addiction prevent you from taking medication to manage pain and always following directions when taking pain medication.
To conclude, cancer will not always result in pain; However, when pain does occur, talk with your doctor or cancer specialist and find out ways to manage and lessen pain.
And always remeber that you deserve quality treatment and you deserve being heard and assisted in managing your pain.