What is Post Cancer Pain
Cancer pain releases chemicals that irritate the area around the tumor. As tumors grow, they may put stress on bones, nerves, and organs around them. Cancer-related tests, treatments, and surgery can cause aches and discomfort. You may also feel pain that has nothing to do with cancer, like normal headaches and tight muscles. Having cancer does not always mean you will have pain during or after treatment. But if you do have pain, you can work with your health care team to make sure a pain control plan is part of your care. There are many different kinds of medicines, different ways to take the medicines, and non-drug methods that can help to treat and control pain. Consult a doctor for medical advice.
Symptoms
- A sore that does not heal
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- Nagging cough or hoarseness
- Obvious change in a wart or mole
- Pain that doesn’t go away after cancer is removed or irradiated
- Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
Treatment
- Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
- Pain medications
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
