Cancer Pain Management
Compassionate, comprehensive pain relief for cancer patients
Understanding Cancer Pain
Cancer pain is a complex and multifaceted symptom experienced by a significant proportion of cancer patients, with prevalence ranging from 30-50% during active treatment to over 70% in advanced disease stages. This pain can result directly from the tumor itself (such as bone metastases, nerve compression, or organ infiltration), from cancer treatments (chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, radiation-induced mucositis, or post-surgical pain), or from conditions unrelated to the cancer. The experience of cancer pain is highly individualized and influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
Effective cancer pain management is essential for maintaining quality of life, enabling patients to continue treatment, and supporting physical and emotional well-being. Modern approaches emphasize comprehensive assessment, multimodal treatment strategies, and regular reassessment to optimize pain control throughout the cancer journey.
Common Causes
Tumor Invasion
Direct pressure or infiltration of bones, nerves, organs, or soft tissues by growing tumors
Bone Metastases
Cancer spread to bones causing severe pain, particularly in breast, prostate, and lung cancers
Nerve Compression
Tumors pressing on or invading nerve structures, causing neuropathic pain
Treatment-Related Pain
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, radiation-induced tissue damage, or post-surgical pain syndromes
Visceral Involvement
Tumor obstruction or distension of hollow organs causing deep, aching pain
Inflammation
Release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines from tumor cells and surrounding tissues
Symptoms
Persistent aching, throbbing, or burning pain
Sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like sensations
Deep, cramping, or pressure-like pain from organ involvement
Breakthrough pain: sudden, severe pain episodes
Increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia)
Pain from normally non-painful stimuli (allodynia)
Associated fatigue, sleep disturbance, and anxiety
Functional limitations affecting daily activities
Advanced Treatment Options
Interventional Nerve Blocks
Celiac plexus blocks for pancreatic cancer pain, sympathetic blocks, or neurolytic procedures to interrupt pain pathways
Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems
Implanted pumps delivering opioids or local anesthetics directly to spinal fluid for superior pain control with fewer side effects
Palliative Radiation Therapy
Radiation to shrink tumors causing pain, particularly effective for bone metastases with 60-80% pain relief
Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty
Minimally invasive procedures to stabilize painful vertebral compression fractures from metastatic disease
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Neuromodulation technique for refractory neuropathic cancer pain
Targeted Systemic Therapies
Radiopharmaceuticals or bisphosphonates to reduce skeletal-related pain
Comprehensive Palliative Care
Multidisciplinary approach integrating pain management, psychological support, and complementary therapies
Compassionate Cancer Pain Management
Our specialists work closely with your oncology team to provide comprehensive pain relief.