How to Reduce the Pain Caused by Mouth Cancer

Any cancer can have pain as a side effect, and the pain can be caused by the disease itself, the treatments for the cancer or the procedures that go along with the treatment. As a cancer that affects the tissues of the mouth and throat that include the lips, tongue, cheeks and gums, oral cancer attacks an area of the body that is already very sensitive to pain. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce the pain experienced by mouth cancer patients.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

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Instructions

Deal With the Pain Caused by Mouth Cancer

• 1

  Take medication to reduce the pain in your mouth from lesions or sores. In the beginning stages of oral cancer, you may have sores or bumps in your mouth that are painful to the touch or when chewing, swallowing or speaking.

• 2

  Consider asking for special medication for 'breakthrough' pain. Breakthrough pain refers to pain that transcends normal pain medication.

• 3

  Stay away from anything that can put you at risk for making cancer symptoms worse, such as tobacco, alcohol or foods high in sugar or salt.

• 4

  Realize that mouth cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, may help reduce the pain caused by mouth cancer.

Manage Pain Associated With Cancer Treatment

• 5

  Ask your doctor for any creams, lotions or ointments that can alleviate painful rashes that are a result of radiation therapy.

• 6

  Avoid certain foods to alleviate the pain in your mouth caused by eating. Sharp or crunchy foods, acidic foods and hot and spicy foods can contribute to pain for oral cancer patients.

• 7

  Explore alternative health methods of pain management, such as massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and aromatherapy.