Cancer Pain

Cancer is unique in that it can cause three types of pain – somatic (musculoskeletal), neuropathic, and visceral (pain from the internal organs of the body).

What Causes Cancer Pain?

• Tumors: As they grow, tumors may press on nerves, bones, or organs, causing discomfort.
• Cancer Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can sometimes lead to pain as side effects.
• Other Factors: Conditions like nerve damage or inflammation may also contribute to pain.

Types of Cancer Pain

• Acute Pain: Sudden and short-term, often related to injury or surgery.
• Chronic Pain: Long-lasting pain that may persist even after treatment.
• Breakthrough Pain: Sudden, intense pain that occurs despite ongoing pain management.

How Is Cancer Pain Treated?
Fortunately, there are treatment options available for each of these types of pain, including:

• Medications
• Procedures such as nerve blocks, injections, and even intrathecal medications.
• Radiation therapy to shrink tumors causing pain.
• Integrative Therapies such as acupuncture, massage, biofeedback.

Why Cancer Pain Management Matters

Managing cancer pain improves quality of life, allowing patients to focus on their treatment and recovery. Regardless of the cause of pain, we work with your oncologists and surgeons to optimize pain control and minimize the neurological side effects of cancer treatments. Pain, and the fear of pain, should not be something that adds to the burden of dealing with cancer.