Cancer pain can be managed and treated through a variety of methods. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the cause of your pain, where it is located in the body, and how severe it is. Several different medical treatments may help manage cancer pain Delray Beach.
Before you understand the different treatment options, you should know that cancerous cells can infiltrate and kill nearby healthy tissue, including organs. Cancer can hurt as it gets worse and can be both physical and psychological. It can be managed with medication, complementary therapies, or both.
How to know if you have cancer?
The first step is to book an appointment with a doctor and get checked. Your doctor can determine if you have cancer, the type of cancer, and its severity. The recommended way to diagnose cancer is through imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsies. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will discuss all the treatment options available to manage your cancer pain.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to visit your doctor for a diagnosis:
- Unexplained weight loss: Your weight may decrease without any change in your diet. It can be a sign of cancer.
- Fever: It can indicate an infection, which may or may not be related to cancer.
- Extreme fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual can be a sign of advanced cancer.
- Pain: Pain in the body is one of the most common symptoms of cancer and can range from mild to severe.
When it comes to treatment for cancer pain, the goal is to provide relief with minimal side effects. Managing cancer pain can be overwhelming, so discussing your options with your healthcare team is important. They will be able to provide you with the best advice on how to manage your cancer pain. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone; many people can help and support you throughout this journey. Below is a detailed explanation of some of the common treatments:
Medications
The drugs used to treat cancer pain are classified as non-opioid or opioid analgesics. Non-opioid medications include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. Opioids such as morphine and fentanyl are also used to block the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy helps to reduce pain by targeting cancerous cells and destroying them. This treatment is often combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery.
Surgery
Surgery is used to remove any tumors that may be causing the pain. Depending on the type of tumor and the location, it may be possible to remove the entire tumor or just part of it. You can discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of this treatment.
Alternative treatments
Alternative treatments may also be used to help manage cancer pain. These include acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, tai chi, guided imagery, and hypnosis. These methods are not typically curative but may relieve some symptoms, such as stress and fatigue.
If you are experiencing cancer pain, contact your doctor at Florida Pain Management Institute to discuss treatment options.
