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Cancer Pain Management
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
A non-invasive method where electrical impulses are used to block pain signals. May not be suitable for patients with certain types of cancer or those with pacemakers.
Opioids
Mainstay for moderate to severe cancer pain. Usage requires careful titration and monitoring for side effects such as constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression.
Topical Analgesics
Creams or patches applied to the skin that provide local pain relief. May be used for localized pain and can offer a reduced risk of systemic side effects.
Nerve Block
An injection that prevents nerves from sending pain signals. Used for localized pain control. Risk of nerve damage or infection should be considered.
Cryoablation
Involves freezing nerve endings to reduce pain. Primarily used in conditions like bone metastases. Care must be taken to avoid damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Palliative Chemotherapy
Used to reduce tumor size and alleviate pain, rather than aiming for a cure. Should be considered when the benefits outweigh the potential for side effects and decreased quality of life.
NSAIDs
Used for mild to moderate oncologic pain, usually as an adjuvant to other pain management strategies. Considerations include gastric toxicity, renal impairment, and platelet dysfunction.
Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants can be used for neuropathic pain in cancer patients. Side effects can include sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
Bisphosphonates
Used to manage bone pain and prevent fractures in patients with bone metastases. They can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw and must be used carefully in patients with renal impairment.
Acupuncture
A form of Traditional Chinese Medicine using needles to stimulate certain points on the body. Risk of bleeding may be increased in patients with thrombocytopenia.
Palliative Surgery
Surgery aimed to relieve pain or obstructive symptoms caused by cancer, not necessarily to remove all cancerous tissue. Risk of complications must be weighed against potential pain relief.
Ketamine
An anesthetic that can be used for severe, refractory oncologic pain. Must be administered in a controlled setting due to potential for hallucination and dissociation.
Corticosteroids
Used for their anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain related to nerve compression and edema. Side effects can include immune suppression, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis.
Radiotherapy
Used to shrink tumors and reduce pressure on nerves or other structures that may cause pain. Careful planning is necessary to minimize damage to healthy tissues.
Cannabinoids
Compounds derived from cannabis that may be used to relieve cancer pain. Legal status and availability vary widely, and side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and mood changes.
Anticonvulsants
Medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin are used to treat neuropathic pain in cancer patients. Side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, and edema.
Hypnosis
A complementary therapy that induces a state of focused concentration to help control pain. Effectiveness is subjective and varies from patient to patient.
Music Therapy
A complementary therapy that uses music to improve patients' physical and emotional well-being. May help in managing pain, anxiety, and depression associated with cancer.
Massage Therapy
Physical manipulation of body tissues that can help relieve tension and pain. Cancer patients should seek a massage therapist trained in oncology massage.
Mindfulness Meditation
A practice that involves being fully present and engaged in the moment, which can help reduce the emotional impact of cancer pain. Integration with other pain management strategies is recommended.
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