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Pain Management

Pain management is an integral part of the treatment for any type of cancer, but especially so for mesothelioma. There are many effective methods of controlling pain, pharmaceutically, surgically and through various alternative and complementary therapies. Effectively limiting and managing pain can make life easier and allow you to enjoy time spent with family and friends.

Medications - The First Line of Defense

Medications are regularly used to control and relieve pain for asbestos cancer and mesothelioma. A cancer doctor will usually prescribe pain medication to be taken on a regular basis. The following are medications most often used:

Mild Pain

• Over the counter and prescription strengths of acetaminophen or NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often prescribed for managing mild pain.

Mild to Moderate Pain

• Opioids such as oxycodone, codeine, and hydrocodone are prescribed for more severe pain when NSAIDs alone are not strong enough to manage the discomfort. Doctors may also prescribe adjuvant medications for mild to moderate pain. These are medications that were originally created for other medical uses, but have been found to have a beneficial effect on pain.

Moderate to Severe Pain

• Severe pain is often treated with stronger opioids, including morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and hydromorphone.

Breakthrough Pain

While taking pain medication on a fixed schedule, a flare of pain may break through. Most doctors will prescribe a medication specifically for breakthrough pain when this happens. If your doctor has not done this, it is important to discuss pain management with them. Do not live with pain when there are methods to relieve it.

Typical Concerns About Pain Medication

One of the most common concerns that patients and families have about taking pain medication is the possibility of addiction. Research has shown that a very small percentage of cancer patients who are prescribed opioids for pain relief become addicted. In one study of 24,000 patients, only seven became addicted to their medication.

Another reason why cancer patients refuse pain medication is because they fear having their minds clouded by the drug. Remember, a doctor can work with you to find the optimal dosage and type of pain medication that will manage your mesothelioma pain and still leave your mind clear and functional.

Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Surgery

Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery can alleviate cancer pain by reducing the size of tumors, or stabilizing their growth. For mesothelioma, there are several surgeries that are specifically prescribed to reduce and relieve pain and discomfort. In many cases, these treatments may be prescribed as palliatives when there is no hope for a remission or cure.

Alternative and Complementary Pain Therapies

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have sanctioned a number of alternative and complementary therapies for the relief and control of cancer pain. While there is little research to support many of these methods, the risks associated with them are extremely low. These therapies cost very little or nothing at all. There is no harm in trying them, because they do provide pain relief for many people. The methods sanctioned by the NIH include behavioral techniques such as visualization and distraction, as well as psychiatric techniques involving electronic stimulation, exercise, massage, biofeedback, and hypnosis.

Sources:

1. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3x_Pain.asp?sitearea=MBC
2. http://www.preventmesothelioma.com/mesothelioma-support/pain-management.html
3. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_7_2x_Pain_Control_A_Guide_for_People_with_ Cancer_and_Their_Families.asp

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