Cancer is widely regarded as a frightening disease, a disease of loss. Those who have it often feel as if they are standing in misfortune. Besides these, what cancer patients fear the most is “pain” because it is a symptom that causes suffering in life.
Therefore, it would be better if we look at “cancer” from a new perspective based on the reality that “cancer is a chronic disease” that can be treated in many cases, managed properly, and certainly, “pain” is the same. It can be well controlled with modern treatment techniques combined with the expertise of specialists.
…Begin to open a new world with pain problems that we can control… “Pain,” what cancer patients fear the most
Pain may be one of the first symptoms of cancer, and the pain usually increases as the disease progresses, especially in metastatic cancer, where 70-80% of patients at this stage may experience pain. In addition, for cancer patients, “pain” is one of the biggest concerns besides fear of incurability and death.
What causes pain in cancer patients?
Pain caused by cancer is found in patients with advanced cancer, but it is important to understand initially that the tumor itself usually does not cause pain. However, when the tumor grows and compresses other organs, such as spreading to the bones or pressing on nerves, it can cause significant pain in those areas.
Pain caused by side effects of treatment, such as
- Chemotherapy may cause patients to experience peripheral neuropathy pain.
- Radiation therapy may cause pain in the area where radiation is applied in some patients.
- Surgery may cause pain after the operation in some cases.
Options for cancer pain relief
Pain management for cancer patients varies, so a detailed and accurate history and diagnosis are necessary to identify the exact source of pain, the level of pain, and the individual patient’s limitations before choosing the appropriate treatment approach.
Pain relief procedures that address multiple dimensions of cancer patients. Methods used to treat cancer pain include:
- Pain relief medication treatment, such as morphine group
Most cancer pain is quite severe. General pain relief medications are often ineffective, so stronger drugs like morphine are required. When used in small doses, these drugs have no significant effects, but when doses need to be increased, side effects may occur, such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, and severe side effects including respiratory depression. Deciding which drug to use, the form (oral, injection, or patch), and the dosage is crucial for these patients.
Specialist doctors will consider the type of cancer, disease stage, and the patient’s overall condition. The strength of the Pain Relief Center at Phyathai 3 Hospital in managing cancer pain with pain relief medication is that specialists control and monitor the dosage adjustment, which greatly helps avoid potential side effects from the medication.
- Pain relief procedures, such as nerve block for cancer pain and celiac nerve destruction injection
Procedures are a good aid in cancer pain relief, especially in certain cancers that cause severe pain, such as pancreatic cancer and upper abdominal cancers, which cause intense suffering. The destruction of the celiac nerve (Celiac Plexus Blockade) involves injecting to block the nerves supplying the abdominal area, targeting only the painful area. Although it destroys nerves, it does not affect any movement.
Therefore, there is no need to worry that the procedure will cause inability to walk or movement problems. Pain relief procedures not only reduce pain but also reduce morphine use, minimize morphine side effects, and improve comfort and quality of life for cancer patients.
Some procedures provide long-lasting pain relief, such as alcohol injection or radiofrequency ablation, which can relieve pain for about 6-9 months. Ultimately, patients can be confident that they will receive treatment truly suited to themselves because although there are many good pain relief procedures, doctors must select the appropriate procedure based on the disease stage and consider contraindications for each patient before treatment to maximize the benefits of pain relief procedures.
Our goal in pain relief for patients is not only to improve pain symptoms but also to ensure patients have a good quality of life. Pain in cancer patients is not just a physical symptom but can also affect emotions, interactions with others, and at the same time, those around the patient may experience stress from the patient’s problems. We always hope that when cancer patients do not have to face pain during treatment or in the terminal stage, care by a specialized and attentive team will help improve quality of life and increase happiness for both patients and their close ones.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nantasorn Sinjboonyakul
Pain Relief Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
