Cancer Pain
Cancer Pain may arise from a tumor compressing or infiltrating nearby body parts, from treatments, or from the body’s own hormonal and immune responses. Chronic (long-lasting) pain is usually caused by the cancer itself and acute (short-term) pain is caused by treatment or diagnostic procedures (iatrogenic).
The presence of chronic pain depends mainly on the location of the cancer and the stage of the disease. At any given time, about half of all patients with malignant cancer are experiencing pain, and two-thirds of those with advanced cancer experience pain of such intensity that it adversely affects their sleep, mood, social relations, and activities of daily living.
Iatrogenic Causes
Immunotherapy: It may produce joint or muscle pain
Radiotherapy: It can cause enteritis, fibrosis, myelopathy, bone necrosis, neuropathy, or plexopathy.
Chemotherapy: Associated with mucosal inflammation, joint pain, muscle pain, peripheral neuropathy, and abdominal pain due to diarrhea or constipation.
Hormone therapy: It sometimes causes pain flares, targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab and rituximab, which can cause muscle, joint, or chest pain; angiogenesis inhibitors like bevacizumab, known to sometimes cause bone pain.
Surgery: It may produce post-operative pain, post-amputation pain, or pelvic floor myalgia.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cancer Pain?
The type of pain experienced can help us understand the source of the pain is coming from. For example, pain brought on by nerve damage is frequently described as ‘burning’ or ‘tingling’, whereas internal organ pain is frequently described as a pressure-like sensation.
What Can Kansas Pain Management Do To Treat Cancer Pain?
Kansas Pain Management aims to provide personalized and comprehensive interventional pain management services for all patients. When you come to us for cancer pain, we understand that overcoming pain is a vital step in dealing with and recovering from cancer. The providers at Kansas Pain Management first try to understand the root cause of the pain with thorough evaluations and offer personalized treatment plans that include the most advanced cancer pain management techniques, such as;
- Continuous Catheter Nerve Blocks
- Intrathecal Pain Pumps
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management
Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.
FAQs
Iatrogenic pain is caused by medical treatment itself. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or surgery can sometimes cause side effects that lead to pain. While these treatments are necessary to fight cancer, careful monitoring and management of treatment-related pain help patients stay comfortable and continue therapy safely.
Chemotherapy is a powerful treatment but may cause joint and muscle pain, mucosal inflammation, peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in hands and feet), and abdominal pain due to digestive issues. Pain can be temporary or persist longer, and recognizing these symptoms early allows healthcare providers to provide supportive care, including medications, physical therapy, or nerve treatments.
Hormone therapy, often used in breast or prostate cancer, can lead to muscle pain, joint discomfort, bone pain, chest pain, or flare-ups. Some targeted therapies may also trigger similar symptoms. Pain management strategies, such as medications, gentle exercise, and physical therapy, can help maintain mobility and comfort during treatment.
Yes. Surgery may result in postoperative pain, nerve pain, post-amputation pain, or pelvic floor muscle discomfort. Early management with medications, rehabilitation exercises, nerve blocks, or other interventional procedures can reduce pain, improve recovery, and prevent long-term complications.
Pain is a frequent and serious concern for cancer patients. Studies show that about 50% of all patients with cancer experience some pain, while nearly two-thirds of patients with advanced cancer report pain severe enough to affect daily activities, sleep, and mental health. Recognizing and addressing cancer pain early is crucial for maintaining comfort, mobility, and emotional well-being.