Pain

What Is Cancer Pain?

Cancer pain is a common problem affecting about one-third of patients being treated for cancer. Although cancer pain may not always be relieved completely, therapy may be available to lessen the discomfort throughout all stages of the disease.

What Kinds of Pain Are There?

There are three main types of pain: visceral, somatic, and neuropathic.

• Somatic–This is pain in the skin, muscle, or bone. It is usually in a specific area and is described as aching, stabbing, throbbing, or pressure
• Visceral–This is pain in organs or tissue. It is usually difficult to locate and is described as gnawing, cramping, aching, or sharp
• Neuropathic–This is pain caused by nerve damage and is described as sharp, tingling, burning, or shooting

Questions Your Doctor Will Have About Your Pain

• Where is the pain located on your body?
• When did it start?
• How long does it last?
• Is it during certain times?
• Does anything increase or decrease the pain?

How Do You Manage Cancer Pain?

Medicines are one of the most common ways to control your pain. Most pain from cancer can be simply treated using oral medicines, but the dose may need to be adjusted often.

There Are Three Types of Pain Medication

• For mild pain, these pain medications include aspirin, acetaminophen, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• For more severe pain, these medicines are called narcotics or opioids. Examples include codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and hydromorphone. Although many patients are afraid of addiction, it is a rare occurrence, affecting one in 10,000 patients
• Medications such as gabapentin that are usually used to treat other medical problems such as injured nerves, may also be effective in treating cancer pain

Are There Ways to Treat Pain Without Medication?

There are alternative techniques that may help treat pain and help you develop coping skills to deal with the disease and its symptoms.

• Redirecting thinking. This technique involves focusing your attention on something other than your pain. Examples may be as simple as watching TV, listening to music, or prayer
• Hypnosis. Hypnosis is effective in relieving pain, can be used to encourage relaxation, and may be combined with other thinking or behavior methods
• Psychological support. Patients with pain may develop clinical depression or adjustment disorders, and short-term psychological therapy helps some patients. Patients may want to consider speaking to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment
• Support groups and religious counseling. Support groups help many patients. Religious counseling may also help by providing spiritual care and social support
• Education. The more you know about your pain and the types of treatments that are available, the more you can feel assured that it can be controlled effectively. It is also important to speak to your doctors about the common barriers that interfere with effective pain management

This information does not replace advice from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and any health or treatment questions that you may have.