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"Genetic Cancer" or "Hereditary Cancer"?
Cancer Pain
Cancer pain can arise from various causes such as the destruction of normal tissues due to cancer, circulatory disorders caused by blockages in blood vessels, bone fractures related to metastases, infections, inflammation, pressure from the tumor on nerves, or blockages in hollow organs or various channels. It can also result from pain that occurs in the body due to cancer treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
What is Cancer Pain?
Cancer pain can occur due to the destruction of normal tissues, circulatory disorders caused by blockages in blood vessels, bone fractures related to metastases, infections, inflammation, pressure from the tumor on nerves, or blockages in hollow organs or various channels. It can also be associated with pain that arises due to cancer treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Pain is present in 20-50% of patients at the time of initial consultation, in 30-40% during treatment, and in 75-90% at advanced stages; for patients and their families, pain is often a greater source of fear than death itself.What are the Symptoms of Cancer Pain?
Cancer-related pain can manifest in different areas of the body. Chronic cancer pain, which is one of the most significant types, can be a continuous pain that affects the individual's overall quality of life. It may also present as sudden, intense pain lasting for a short time, even while taking pain relief medications. The type, intensity, and duration of the pain can vary depending on the source of the patient's pain.How is Cancer Pain Treated?
The initial approach to alleviating cancer pain is through medication. The medication treatment is determined according to the World Health Organization's stepwise approach, based on the severity of the pain, starting from weaker to stronger medications. In cases where medication is insufficient or ineffective, non-pharmacological treatment methods may also be employed. In such cases, nerve blocks can be applied, where the nerves causing the pain are desensitized using various chemical agents. If nerve blocks are unsuccessful in reducing pain, a morphine pump may be implanted into the spinal cord. In this procedure, a catheter is placed in the spinal cord, and a pump filled with medication is placed under the skin, connecting the pump with the catheter. A completely closed system is created under the skin, allowing the patient to receive a very low dose of morphine through this pump to control their pain.
Last Updated Date: 15 January 2016
Publication Date: 28 December 2015
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