Treating the Many Facets of Cancer Pain

1. Treating the Many Facets of Cancer Pain The dreaded ‘C’ word is one no one likes to hear from the doctor. Being told you have cancer changes your life forever. And not only yours, but the lives of everyone who cares for you, as well. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are simultaneously dealing with cancer-related pain, we can help. Before we go on, we have to point out that Lone Star cancer associates are not oncologists. We do not treat cancer itself. However, we are experts in helping to relieve and manage cancer pain. We can treat metastatic cancer pain, chemotherapy-induced pain, radiation-induced pain, and pain resulting from neuritis. We find it helpful to explain to patients just what causes cancer-related pain. Needless to say that there isn’t a single root cause. Cancer patients experience pain due to a variety of issues. Our main task is to identify what is causing the pain and treat it effectively. Pain Caused by the Disease Pain directly attributed to cancer itself is caused by the damage cancer does to the body. In some cases, it can be the result of a tumor pressing on a nerve or bone. Back pain is a good example. A tumor in a person’s spine can cause something known as spinal cord compression. This can lead to pain in the back and neck. Numbness and weakness in the extremities can also occur.

2. Pain Caused by Treatment Many of the patients we see for cancer-related pain are experiencing pain as a result of their cancer treatments. The unfortunate fact is that it is exceedingly difficult to treat cancer without producing negative side effects. But again, Lone Star cancer associates can help relieve cancer pain with appropriate treatments. Here are just some of the types of pain attributed to cancer treatment:  Chemo and Radiation– Both chemotherapy and radiation treatments can cause pain. Unfortunately, the pain can be severe enough to lead some patients to stop treatment. Pain can be attributed to mouth sores, skin burns, and even radiation-induced peripheral neuropathy. Surgery– Solid tumors are often treated by surgical means. As with any surgery, pain is an expected result of the surgical removal of tumors. In some cases, surgical pain can last for an extended amount of time. Other Procedures– Treating cancer often involves a number of tertiary procedures, like tests for example. Procedures intended to diagnose cancer or determine the effectiveness of ongoing treatments can cause pain. Phantom Pain– Finally, phantom pain can occur as a result of cancer surgery. It is normally associated with loss of a limb or another body part. For example, breast cancer patients can suffer phantom pain following a mastectomy.    The key to treating cancer-related pain is to understand its root causes. Sometimes pain medication is the best way to go. Other times, there are better treatments offering more effective relief without the use of drugs. We recommend consulting with both oncologists and pain management specialists to determine the best course of action. We Are Here for You Lone Star pain management doctors serve patients in the Weatherford, Texas area and beyond. Cancer-related pain is just one of the many types of pain we treat. We invite you to contact our office and set up an appointment to see one of our specialists. Whether your pain is related to cancer treatment or some other condition, we can help. We are here for you. Cancer-related pain is treatable. With everything else you are going through right now you do not need additional pain weighing you down. Let us help you manage your pain so that you can concentrate on getting better.