Cancer Pain Management

When you develop as a child, your cells will grow at a normal, moderated rate. As an adult, cells will only form to replace dead cells or worn-out cells. When cancer cells develop, the cancer cells will grow, multiply at an abnormal rate, and never die. These cancer cells can also grow into your healthy tissues and form large tumors which can be painful. Management of your cancer pain depends on the staging and type of cancer you're suffering from.

Cancer Removal/Reduction

• If your cancer has caused you pain due to the obstruction of nerves or the cancer is compressing your organs, your cancer can be removed or reduced through a variety of treatments. Surgery will try to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can help to eradicate cancer cells which may be the cause of your pain. Such treatments are usually the first course of treatment in fighting your disease, and aren't always used to help with pain management. According to the Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center, such treatments can also create pain, which is why other forms of pain management will be necessitated.

NSAIDs

• Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These types of medications help to lesson mild amounts of pain, as well as minimize swelling and inflammation of your joints. You can buy many forms of NSAIDs over the counter, though your physician can also prescribe stronger forms of NSAIDs.

Opioids

• Opioids are used to combat moderate to severe symptoms of pain. These types of drugs include Percocet or Percodan. Depending on your physician's prescription, or how you can tolerate the medication, an opioid can be taken orally, injected, taken rectally, taken with a patch or taken between your cheek and gum (lozenge). Opiods can be designed to be long-lasting or short term. In most cases, opioids are given in low dosage, and then the dosage is increased until you are provided with substantial pain relief. Opioids can be given on a consistent basis to provide you with around-the-clock pain relief.

Anti-Depressants

• According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, even though anti-depressants are typically used to treat depression, the medications can also treat pain and help you sleep more soundly at night. It may take several weeks before you begin to notice any relief for your symptoms.

Coping Mechanisms

• Depression is fairly common with cancer, and according to the National Cancer Institute, up to 25 percent of cancer patients suffer from depression. However, it is important to effectively communicate your fears to get through your cancer. In some cases, depression can cause physical pain or increase your response to pain. Treating the depression may help alleviate these symptoms. Even if your symptoms are mild or you have no outward signs of depression, counseling can help you cope. You can also join support groups within your community to get an insight on different perspectives from other cancer patients.