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Any type of cancer often causes pain and it depends on several factors. Cancer pain may be due to the type, location, stage, and your pain tolerance may trigger other conditions. People with advanced cancer are more likely to have pain. Cancer surgery, treatments, or tests can also cause pain.
What Causes Cancer Pain?
Pain can be caused by cancer itself. Pain could happen if cancer grows into or destroys nearby tissue. As a tumor grows, it can press on nerves, bones, or organs. The tumor can also release chemicals that can cause pain. Treatment of cancer can help the pain in these situations. However, cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, also can cause pain.
Signs of Pain Caused by Cancer
- Pain is worst at night
- Pain does not link to any injury, a fall, or trauma
- Pain is associated with signs like weight loss, bleeding, fever, or general sickness.
- Back pain that is worse during bearing down
Types of Cancer Pain
- Somatic Pain. Nerves transmit sensations of somatic pain from parts of the body not located in organs to the brain. An example of deep tissue pain would be that of cancer that has spread to the bone. The site of pain cannot be pinpointed and has a dull, achy feeling.
- Neuropathic Pain. It is caused by damage to one or more components of the nervous system is often described as burning or tingling. The injury can include a tumor putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The chemical or radiation effects of chemotherapy or radiation on the nervous system can also result in pain.
- Visceral Pain. It is felt in one of these areas caused by the activity of pain receptors in these areas. When a tumor presses on an organ or several, the viscera stretches, or a tumor invades the body, the pain receptors are activated. This type of pain is described as having a throbbing, pressured sensation.
- Acute pain. Short-term acute pain is characterized by its cause being easily identifiable, such as an activity that causes it. Acute pain can come and go and may increase over time.
- Chronic. Chronic pain lasts longer than three months. Oftentimes, healthcare providers have trouble describing chronic pain, making it difficult for them to treat it.
- Bone pain. This type of pain can happen when cancer starts in or spreads to the bones. Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment may be directed toward controlling cancer or protecting bones. External radiation may be used to treat the weakened bone.
Treatment for Cancer Pain
Several treatments are available for cancer pain. Your doctor will recommend the cause and severity of your condition. You may need a combination of pain treatments to find the most relief. Medications may include OTC products, opioids, and other procedures to block pain signals. You can also take pain relievers such as:
- Tramadol
- Cobix for acute pain
- Nucoxia 90mg as NSAIDs
