- Home
- Cancer Pain Management and Interventional Pain-Relieving Options
What is cancer pain?
Cancer pain is a complex and distressing symptom experienced by many individuals diagnosed with cancer. It can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and requires comprehensive management strategies.
Cancer pain refers to the discomfort experienced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment or those with advanced stages of the disease. It can vary in intensity, duration, and location, ranging from mild to severe and acute to chronic. Cancer pain can arise from the tumour itself, its metastasis to other organs, or as a side effect of cancer treatments.
According to research, approximately 30% of people who have cancer have moderate to severe pain, especially those who are in the advanced stages of cancer. Several people who have cancer do not experience pain because cancerous tumours do not have nerves. The pain typically comes from tumours pressing on nerves surrounding them or situated nearby, among other factors.
What causes cancer pain?
Several factors contribute to the development of cancer pain, including:
- Tumour growth: as cancerous cells multiply and tumours expand, they can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, nerves, and organs, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Tissue invasion: cancer cells infiltrating healthy tissues and organs can cause inflammation and tissue damage, resulting in pain.
- Nerve compression: tumours pressing against nerves can damage them, causing neuropathic pain such as tingling, numbness, or shooting sensations.
- Treatment side effects: cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can cause pain as a side effect. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, for example, can result in nerve pain. Intravenous chemotherapy can also cause spasms and stinging.
- Post-operative pain: pain can develop after surgical operations to remove or treat cancer.
What are the symptoms of cancer pain?
The symptoms of cancer pain vary depending on the type of pain and its underlying causes. Common symptoms of cancer pain may include:
- Persistent dull aching or throbbing pain
- Sharp, shooting, or burning sensations
- Intermittent or constant pain
- Pain aggravated by movement or pressure
- Radiating pain that spreads to other areas of the body
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Muscle stiffness or weakness
Who is at risk of cancer pain?
Anyone diagnosed with cancer is at risk of experiencing cancer pain, especially those with advanced stages of the disease or undergoing aggressive treatments. Certain types of cancer, such as bone cancer or pancreatic cancer, may be associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing severe pain. Cancer pain can also lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and interfere with daily life, such as work and relationships.
How is cancer pain diagnosed?
Diagnosing cancer pain involves a thorough assessment and includes the following:
- Medical history and physical examination: your pain specialist will typically inquire about the nature, intensity, and duration of the pain, as well as any associated symptoms or triggers. A physical examination will also be conducted to identify any visible signs of tumour growth, inflammation, or tissue damage.
- Imaging tests: imaging studies such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or positron emission tomography (PET) scans may be performed to visualise the extent of tumour growth and its impact on surrounding tissues and organs.
- Nerve conduction studies: in cases of neuropathic pain, nerve conduction studies may be conducted to assess nerve function and identify areas of damage or compression.
What are the treatment options for cancer pain?
Treatment options for cancer pain aim to alleviate discomfort, improve quality of life, and enhance overall well-being. Depending on the severity and underlying causes of the pain, treatment strategies for cancer pain may include:
- Medications: analgesic medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), adjuvant drugs (antidepressants, anticonvulsants), and topical treatments (creams, patches) are typically prescribed to manage cancer pain effectively.
- Interventional procedures: interventional techniques such as sympathetic nerve blocks, epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, or neurostimulation may be recommended to target specific pain pathways and provide relief.
- Radiation therapy: radiation therapy can shrink tumours and alleviate pain by targeting cancerous cells. It is particularly effective for localised pain caused by bone metastases or soft tissue tumours.
- Palliative care: palliative care includes symptom management, pain relief, and holistic support for patients and their families. It aims to improve the quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs throughout the cancer journey.
Frequently asked questions
It can be overwhelming and challenging to talk to your doctor about your pain. If you are struggling with this, try making a list of questions before going to the doctor. These can include questions such as how long your cancer pain will last, what treatment options are available, or if there are any side effects from painkillers.
In general, tumours that are located in the head and neck, prostate, uterus, oesophagus, pancreas, and breast are the most painful. However, it also depends on the tumour size and the cancer stage.
People with advanced stages of cancer (stage IV) often have the most severe cancer pain.
Painkillers such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to relieve mild pain. Opioids may be prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Other holistic remedies that may help reduce pain include hypnosis, massage, acupuncture, and meditation.
Total Pain Specialist