Cancer Related Pain

Cancer-related pain can arise from multiple etiologies, often coexisting in the same patient:

  • Tumor-related nociceptive pain – invasion of bone, soft tissue, or visceral organs (e.g., liver capsule stretch)

  • Neuropathic pain – nerve compression or infiltration by tumor, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

  • Treatment-related pain – postsurgical pain, radiation fibrosis, mucositis from chemo/radiation

  • Breakthrough pain – transient flares of intense pain despite adequate baseline analgesia

Symptoms

Cancer-Related Pain

Somatic (bone/soft tissue): deep, aching or throbbing pain, often localized and worsened by movement

  1. Visceral: cramping, pressure-like discomfort that may be poorly localized or referred

  2. Neuropathic: burning, shooting or electric-shock sensations, tingling, numbness

  3. Breakthrough episodes: sudden spikes of severe pain lasting minutes to hours, frequently triggered by activity or procedures

  4. Associated features: sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and impaired quality of life

Common Treatments:

Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever, Nerve Blocks, Opioid Therapy