Cancer Pain Treatments

As tumors begin to grow, the growth can cause pressure upon the nerve cells and make them susceptible to the sensation of pain. Destruction of tissue, spreading of the cancer or the area where the cancer started to grow can also create pain. According to Dr. Timothy Moynihan of the Mayo Clinic, one in every three cancer patients will experience some form of pain, and those who have either advanced stages of cancer or recurring cancer will also suffer more. There are methods of pain control, but it is important to speak with your medical physician to find which method of treatment is best for you.

Analgesics

• Analgesics are medications such as Tylenol that are used when your pain is mild to moderate. They are used to treat pain and fever, though they do not help with inflammation. Never take more than the recommended dosage as liver damage can occur. It is important to speak with your doctor if you are taking Tylenol. If you run a fever from chemotherapy, taking Tylenol can mask the sign of possible infection.

NSAIDs

• NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are those that help to control pain and inflammation. These types of medications may be ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin or aspirin. According to the National Cancer Institute, NSAIDs can prevent your blood from clotting properly, as well as cause bleeding of the stomach. At times, NSAIDs are prescribed with opioids to manage moderate pain.

Effects of NSAIDS

• NSAIDs can make your stomach upset. It is important to not take these kind of medications if you have a known kidney or heart problem as this can exacerbate your condition. Never take NSAIDs if your are on any anti-cancer medications that cause bleeding. If you experience dark stools, bleeding from your rectum, nausea, heartburn, or you cough up blood, discontinue the NSAID and speak with your doctor immediately. This is a serious complication as a result of the medication.

Opioids

• Opioids refer to stronger drugs used in pain management. Such drugs may include codeine, morphine, methadone and oxycodone. Opioids are strong narcotics and highly addictive. It is important to discuss the risk of taking opioids. According to Science Daily, high doses of opioids are usually needed to properly manage cancer pain. When this is done, a person can become addicted to the drug and require more to achieve effective management. As a result, one can develop a tolerance toward the drug.

Effects of Opioids

• Opioids can cause many side effects. If you use opioids heavily, constipation is the most common side effect. Nausea/vomiting can also occur once you have begun an opioid treatment. An antiemetic, or medications that can reduce nausea/vomiting, can be prescribed to combat the effects of sickness. Extreme tiredness is also common, as well as respiratory depression. However, respiratory depression can be a serious condition that can result in death. This is usually a result of abusing opioids by taking too many.

Other Options

• Other treatment options may be used in combination with pain medications. Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat tingling and burning that is associated with pain. Pain occurs when damage has been done from surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Steroids may also be given to treat swelling. Anti-seizure drugs can also be used to help with tingling and burning sensations.