Cancer Pain
One of the most common experiences for patients with cancer is pain. Some studies indicate that up to 1/3 of those with cancer will experience some amount of pain. The problem is that cancer pain is often badly understood and undertreated.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer pain, there are solutions. But first, let’s talk a bit more about what cancer pain is, the risk factors it has, and what symptoms you should be aware of.
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, cancer pain is an unpleasant emotional and sensory experience associated with potential or actual tissue damage resulting from either the treatment of cancer or cancer itself.
When we refer to cancer, we’re talking about one of a huge number of diseases. An individual with cancer has abnormal cells in the body that continuously divide and can destroy the normal tissue of the body.
It’s hard to pin down specific risk factors for cancer pain, but there are many risk factors for cancer. Having cancer can lead to pain from the disease, so it’s important to be aware of what might increase your chances of getting cancer.
Exposure to chemicals or other hazardous materials is a risk factor for cancer. So are uncontrollable things such as family history and age. When some cancers are common within a family, it could lead to inherited cancer syndrome.
Below are several known or likely risk factors for cancer. Some of these risk factors may be avoided while others can’t. Limiting any exposure to avoidable risk factors can lower the risk of you developing certain types of cancer.
- Age
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Sunlight
- Cancer-causing substances
- Radiation
- Chronic inflammation
- Obesity
- Diet
- Infectious agents
- Hormones
- Immunosuppression
Several types of cancer pain can manifest. It’s crucial to find out the type and understand what is causing the pain. Different sorts of pain require different treatments. The symptoms of cancer pain can also vary by type.
- Neuropathic pain – Known as nerve pain, it is often described as tingling, shooting, or burning pain felt under the skin. This type of pain can be more challenging to treat.
- Somatic pain – If cancer moves into the bone, it can damage the tissue and cause pain. Sometimes called bone pain, it is often described as throbbing, dull, or aching.
- Visceral pain – Soft tissue pain comes from a muscle or organ. This variety of pain is challenging to pinpoint but may be sharp, aching, throbbing, or cramping.
Phantom pain can occur when a body part is removed. Cancer pain can also manifest as referred pain, where the pain from a certain organ is felt in another part of the body.
Treatments for cancer pain are many and varied. For instance, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery may be used. NSAIDs and analgesics may also be prescribed. Some people with cancer pain benefit from antidepressants, corticosteroids, compounded creams, and medical cannabis.
At Modern Pain Consultants, we offer a variety of options for cancer pain, such as corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and intrathecal pain pumps. We create an individualized treatment plan to help your quality of life. Speak to us today to set up a consultation.