Cancer Pains:

Cancer pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients and can significantly reduce their quality of life. The type and severity of pain may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Causes of Cancer Pain:

• Direct effect of the tumor: The tumor can press on nerves or bones, causing pain.
• Side effects of treatment: Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can cause pain.
• Infection: Cancer patients are at high risk of infection, and infections can also cause pain.
• Psychosocial factors: Psychosocial factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress can make pain worse.

Classification of Cancer Pain:

Cancer pain can be classified as follows according to its causes:

• Nociceptive pain: These are pains caused by reasons such as the pressure of the tumor on the tissue or bones.
• Neuropathic pain: Pain that occurs as a result of damage or destruction of nerves.
• Idiopathic pain: These are pains whose cause is not fully known.

Cancer pain can be classified as follows according to its duration:

• Acute pain: These are short-term and sudden onset pains.
• Chronic pain: Pain that lasts longer than 3 months.

Diagnosis of Cancer Pain:

The patient’s history and physical examination are important in diagnosing cancer pain. The doctor asks the type, severity, duration and location of the patient’s pain. During the physical examination, the doctor examines the patient’s painful area and checks for nerve damage.

If necessary, the doctor may also order imaging tests (x-ray, MRI, CT) and laboratory tests (blood tests). These tests help determine the cause of the pain and rule out other possible causes.

Treatment of Cancer Pain:

A multidisciplinary approach is required in the treatment of cancer pain. The treatment plan is determined according to the cause, type and severity of pain.

Treatment options include:

• Drug treatment: Depending on the type and severity of pain, medications such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be used.
• Physical therapy: Exercise and physical therapy can help reduce muscle pain and fatigue.
• Nerve blocks: Injection treatments can be applied to relieve pain by blocking the nerves.
• Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment may be applied in cases that do not respond to other treatments or in cases such as surgical removal of the tumor.
• Psychosocial support: Treatment of psychosocial problems such as depression, anxiety and stress can also help control pain.

Management of Cancer Pain:

It is important for patients to take an active role in the management of cancer pain. Patients can:

• They should report their pain to their doctor and receive the necessary treatment.
• She should take her medications regularly.
• Must comply with exercise and physical therapy program.
• Must learn and apply relaxation techniques.
• He/she should receive psychosocial support.

Living with Cancer Pain:

Cancer pain can be a chronic problem, but with treatment it can be controlled and patients can live normal lives. It is important for patients to report their pain to their doctors and receive the necessary treatment.