Cancer Pain Syndromes
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionAbout one-third of people with cancer have pain. Cancer pain can be affected by:
Most cancer pain can be managed with treatment. CausesCancer pain may be caused by:
Risk FactorsHaving cancer is the main risk factor for cancer pain. SymptomsCancer pain will vary from person to person. The pain may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Tests may also be done to find possible causes of the pain. They may include: Imaging tests such as: Nerve tests, such as:
TreatmentTreatment depends on the type of pain. It also depends on how the cancer has been treated. The goal is to manage pain. Options may be: Medicine
Radiation TherapyRadiation therapy can help to shrink tumors and ease:
Alternative TreatmentsAlternative treatments to ease pain may include:
ProceduresProcedures are sometimes used to ease cancer pain. Options may be:
Counseling and support groups may also be advised—to help with coping. PreventionCancer pain usually cannot be prevented. RESOURCES:American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca Provincial Health Services Authority http://www.bccancer.bc.ca References:Cancer pain. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/pain.html. Accessed September 22, 2021.
Cancer pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cancer-pain. Accessed September 22, 2021.
Deng G. Integrative medicine therapies for pain management in cancer patients. Cancer J. 2019;25(5):343-348. General information about cancer pain. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/pain/pain-pdq. Accessed September 22, 2021. Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 9/22/2021 |
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