Pain Associated With Cancer:

The diagnosis of cancer presents many challenges for patients, families and physicians alike. The fear and reality of severe pain complicates effective treatment and compromises the quality of life for many patients living with malignant disease. Although the most effective treatment of cancer-related pain is successful treatment of the underlying cancer, for many patients, management of pain resulting from otherwise successful treatment, or palliation of pain associated with remaining cancer is a major issue. Pain may result from injury or involvement of nerves, nearby organs, or bony structures caused by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or the tumor itself. Interventional pain management specialists work with cancer specialists, surgeons, and primary care physicians to help diagnose the precise cause(s) of pain, and to develop effective treatment strategies using pain medications, radiation therapy, surgery, and nerve blocks to maximize pain relief and quality of life while minimizing side effects. Sometimes, simple adjustment of medications is all that is required for effective pain relief. For other patients, nerve blocks using chemical agents or microwave techniques to intentionally and precisely damage pain nerves to quiet unwanted pain signals can bring welcome relief of pain and decrease reliance on narcotic pain medications for extended periods of time. Newer techniques such as surgically implanted intraspinal pain pumps have greatly increased pain-free survival for many patients living with advanced cancer. Our specialists and support staff have extensive hands-on experience with these advanced treatment methods of cancer pain management, and will work with your physician to help bring the promise of improved quality of life and increased freedom from pain to you or your loved one living with cancer.

Copyright© Foothills Pain and Anesthesia

Site Design and Hosting