Cancer Pain
Cancer is a widely occurring condition that affects many from all demographics. Unfortunately, depending upon the type and stage of the cancer, pain can be a symptom that is experienced by patients on a regular basis.
Types of Pain Caused by Cancer
The first type of cancer pain is somatic pain that is caused in the body’s surface or deep tissue. Cancers that affect the bone are the primary cause of somatic pain although the pain can also be caused due to surgery or injury of a specified area. Somatic pain typically presents itself as either a localized sharp pain or a dull ache.
The second form of pain is neuropathic pain which is the most painful for cancer patients. It presents itself as a tingling or burning feeling and is caused by nervous system injury. This is often caused by a cancer tumor applying pressure to either the nerves or spinal cord. Radiation or chemotherapy has also been known to damage the nervous system and cause neuropathic pain.
The third type of pain is visceral pain that is not as localized as the other forms of pain and is experienced in the pain receptors of the body’s cavities such as the pelvis, abdomen, and chest. As is the case with neuropathic pain, this form of pain is often caused by a tumor applying pressure to the area. Most patients describe visceral pain as a feeling of throbbing pressure in the affected area.
Cancer Pain Relief
The most common form of pain relief for cancer patients is a form of narcotic. Because of this, many fear that they will become addicted to their pain relief medication. Fortunately, if the instructions of the physician are followed, this will rarely occur. Although it may be necessary for the doctor to prescribe high doses of narcotics, the dosage is typically lessened as the pain and the severity of the condition decrease. As is the case with most drugs, there are potential side effects. These can include nausea, fatigue, or dizziness. As soon as the baby becomes accustomed to the dosage, it is likely that the side effects will dissipate.
Pain relief is an essential aspect of cancer treatment so that they are able to continue their daily activities to the best of their ability. Pain inevitably makes patients irritable and depressed and this has been shown to decrease the success of treatment. Pain relief allows patients to keep their pain under control and stay positive.
Keep in mind that one medication may be more effective for one person than another. Fortunately, there are many types of drugs available for cancer pain relief. If your doctor has prescribed you a medication that does not seem to be helping, make sure to discuss this with your physician.