Cancer Pain – Treatment

Transcript

What are the main medications used to manage cancer pain? There are many types of medications used to treat the symptoms of cancer pain. The types of medications depend on the severity of the cancer disease. Many times, treatment will initially start with acetaminophen or paracetamol, or with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Depending on relief, the next step in medication management may include muscle relaxants, membrane stabilizing, medications, antidepressants, topical patches or medications, or opioid medications. Common opioid medications include various forms of codeine or morphine, which may help more severe cancer related symptoms. Many times with cancer pain, there are longer acting pain medications that can be used in conjunction with shorter acting breakthrough pain medications. Painkillers will help in reducing pain symptoms in a patient with cancer. To actually know if the cancer is improving, the patient may need continued MRI, PET or imaging scans and appropriate blood work and follow up with their physician.