Cancer-related pain is a common symptom experienced by individuals diagnosed with cancer. It can result from various factors related to the cancer itself or its treatment, and it can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Cancer-related pain can be acute, chronic, or breakthrough pain, and it may vary in intensity and location depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Causes of Cancer-Related Pain: Tumour growth: Cancerous tumours can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, nerves, and organs, leading to pain. Tumour invasion into bones, nerves, or other structures can also cause pain.

Nerve compression: Cancer can compress or damage nerves, resulting in neuropathic pain characterised by burning, tingling, or shooting sensations.
Inflammation: Cancer-related inflammation, either within the tumour or in adjacent tissues, can trigger pain.

Side effects of treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or other cancer treatments can cause pain as a side effect. For example, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can result in nerve pain.

Metastasis: Cancer that spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body can cause pain in distant organs or tissues.

Treatments for Cancer-Related Pain: Dr. Tushar, an oncologist or palliative care specialist, can offer various treatments to manage cancer-related pain effectively:
Medications: Dr. Tushar may prescribe analgesic medications such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or adjuvant medications (antidepressants, anticonvulsants) for cancer-related pain.

Nerve Blocks: Injection of local anaesthetics or steroids around nerves that transmit pain signals, providing targeted pain relief for specific areas affected by cancer. (Peripheral nerves; Stellate ganglion;Sympathetic plexus – Celiac, Superior hypogastric plexus, Ganglion impar; Splanchnic nerve interventions).

Radiofrequency ablation and Neurolytic Blocks: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Use of heat generated by radiofrequency energy to ablate nerve fibres transmitting pain signals, providing long-lasting pain relief for certain types of cancer pain, such as pain from bone metastases. Another option is injection of neurolytic agents, such as alcohol or phenol, to temporarily or permanently disrupt nerve function and alleviate severe cancer pain.

Epidural Corticosteroid Injections: Injection into the epidural space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by metastatic spinal cord compression or nerve root compression.
Intrathecal Drug Delivery: Implantation of a catheter or pump into the intrathecal space of the spine to deliver opioids or other medications directly to the cerebrospinal fluid, providing targeted pain relief for severe cancer pain that is refractory to other treatments.

Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: Minimally invasive procedures involving the injection of bone cement into fractured vertebrae to stabilise the spine, relieve pain, and improve mobility in patients with vertebral compression fractures due to metastatic bone disease.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Implantation of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interfering with pain signals and providing pain relief for certain types of cancer pain, such as neuropathic pain.

Palliative care: Dr. Tushar can provide palliative care services aimed at improving the overall quality of life for patients with advanced cancer, including pain management, symptom control, and emotional support.

By addressing cancer-related pain through a combination of these treatments, Dr. Tushar can help improve patients' comfort, mobility, and overall well-being, enhancing their ability to cope with the challenges of cancer and its treatment. It's essential for individuals with cancer-related pain to communicate openly with their healthcare team to receive comprehensive pain management and support tailored to their specific needs and preferences.