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What is Cancer Pain?

A cancer patient can have multiple sites of pain. The pain may be dull, aching or sharp. It could be constant, intermittent, mild, moderate or severe. It can result from the cancer itself or it can be caused by cancer growing into or destroying tissue near the cancer itself. As a tumor grows, it may put pressure on nerves, bones or organs, causing pain.

What are the manifestations of Cancer Pain?

Some signs indicating that the pain could be related to a cancer diagnosis are:

  • Pain worse at night
  • Pain not associated with trauma or a fall
  • Pain associated with signs like weight loss, bleeding, fever, or general malaise.
  • Fatigue that is severe and lasts
  • Fever or night sweats for no known reason
  • Swelling or lumps anywhere such as in the neck, underarm, stomach, and groin
  • Weight gain or weight loss for no known reason

    • What causes Cancer Pain?

    Cancer pain is generally caused by Cancer invading and damaging the surrounding tissues or organs of the body. An estimated 5% to 10% of pain in cancer patients is due to cancer treatment (e.g. pain after chemotherapy). Pain from the cancer itself can happen when:

  • A tumor presses on bones, nerves, or organs.
  • A tumor presses on the spinal cord, causing pain in the back, legs, or neck.
  • A tumor causes organs to swell or be blocked.
  • Cancer cells spread to the bone and destroy it.

    • Tests to diagnose cancer can sometimes cause short-term pain. Sometimes, pain may continue for months or years after the cancer surgery. Causes include scars after surgery, lymphoedema, and pain in a missing limb or breast (phantom pain)

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