Cancer pain can be different for everyone and depends on the type, location, and stage of cancer. It can be caused by many things, such as the tumour growing, spreading to other parts of the body, blocking organs or ducts, swelling, damaged nerves, or the bones being affected.
Adult cancer pain
Doctors use different methods to figure out what is causing the pain, which can depend on the location and type of cancer, or the kind of pain. First, they will talk to you about your medical history and ask questions about the pain—where it is, how strong it feels, how long it lasts, and what it feels like. They may also do a physical and neurological exam.
To learn more, doctors use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans, that are used to see and create images of the inside of your body, and others, like blood tests and tumour markers. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires that describe how much pain you feel and how it affects your daily life. If the cause of the pain is not clear, a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample) may be done to confirm the cancer or other conditions.
Treating cancer pain often involves a team of doctors, including cancer and pain specialists, and sometimes palliative care experts. They work together to treat both the cancer and the pain it causes.
Cancer pain is managed using medicines, therapies, and other types of supporting care. The main goal is to control pain, help the patient’s quality of life, and manage cancer symptoms. Since each patient is different, treatments can be adjusted based on how well they work.
Interventional oncology treatments use imaging techniques (like ultrasound and CT scans) to target the areas causing pain, such as the nerves or tumours. These treatments can include:
• Nerve blocks and injections
• Neurolysis, which works by destroying the nerves causing the pain
• A (percutaneous) ablation uses heat or cold to treat painful tumours
• Augmentation procedures for the bones and the spine
Interventional oncology treatments for cancer pain are minimally invasive, done through small cuts to target the source of the pain with minimal surgery. Serious risks are rare but can include infection, bleeding, damage to nearby organs, and others depending on the procedure.
However, these treatments are generally considered safe, and the benefits—such as pain relief and a better quality of life—often outweigh the risks. Before treatment, doctors carefully check for any possible risks and take steps to keep you safe, and you will also be closely watched during and after the procedure. It’s important to talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits before choosing this type of treatment.
There are other ways to manage cancer pain, including medicines (like opioids, steroids, and antidepressants), radiation therapy, surgery, as well as support for mental health. In the later stages of cancer, when treatments no longer work, the focus shifts to hospice care. Hospice care is focused on managing pain, making the patient as comfortable as possible, and making sure that the patient’s days are as pain-free and peaceful as possible.
After interventional oncology treatments for cancer pain, you would usually need a short period of rest, pain control, and observation to make sure there are no problems. Follow-up care includes checking how well the pain is relieved, seeing if the treatment worked, and continuing cancer treatment. Over time, follow-up visits help doctors address any issues you may have and change the pain management strategies if needed.