The 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:

Electromyography (EMG)
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)

Treatment

Treatment 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

Non-opioids—to treat mild-to-moderate cancer pain:
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Opioids—often used to treat moderate-to-severe cancer pain
Medicines to treat nerve pain:
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Steroids
Medicines to treat bone pain:
- Bisphosphonates
- Denosumab

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can help to shrink tumors and ease:

Bone pain
Pain caused by tumors pressing on other structures

Alternative Treatments

Alternative treatments to ease pain may include:

Acupuncture
Hypnotherapy
Massage therapy
Mindfulness
Music
Creative arts therapy

Procedures

Procedures are sometimes used to ease cancer pain. Options may be:

Ablation—using cold or heat to destroy cancer cells
Injection of a numbing drug and steroid into the spinal cord area
Spinal cord stimulation—an implanted device sends impulses to the spinal cord
An implanted pump—to deliver numbing medicine

Counseling and support groups may also be advised—to help with coping.

Prevention

Cancer 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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