A Guide to Recognizing Common Cancer Pain Syndromes
Pain need not be an unbearable fact of life for most adults who now have, or who have been treated for, cancer. Cancer-related pain can usually be effectively controlled.1
The key to effective management of cancer pain is a specially tailored management plan based on the specific cause of the pain.2 Direct tumor infiltration is responsible for pain in more than 80% of cancer patients who have advanced metastatic disease. The effects of surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy contribute to pain in about 20% of patients.3 By recognizing and treating the common cancer pain syndromes listed in the Table below, you can help markedly improve the quality of life for adults who have a history of cancer.
1. Gordon DB, Dahl JL, Miaskowski C, et al. American pain society recommendations for improving the quality of acute and cancer pain management: American Pain Society Quality of Care Task Force. Arch Intern Med. 2005;165(14):1574-1580.
2. Management of Cancer Pain: Adults. Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians. No. 9. Rockville, Md: Public Health Service; March 1994. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, US Dept of Health and Human Services publication 94-0593.
3. Jost L, Roila F; ESMO Guidelines Working Group. Management of cancer pain: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. Ann Oncol. 2010;21(Suppl 5):v257-v260.