Cancer as a disease in itself is synonymous with pain and its treatment too can be painful causing deep suffering to the patients. Cancer is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells that take the shape of a tumor. As the tumor grows it damages other healthy cells, presses on nerves, and releases chemicals that cause pain.

An oncologist in Siliguri shares insights into the treatment of cancer tissues which involves two major methods-chemotherapy and radiation both of which can cause stinging and neuropathy pain. Here we explain the various medications opted by oncologists and doctors worldwide to manage cancer pain and how they administer these drugs.

How Pain Reliefs Are Administered By Oncologists?

Cancer pain medications are administered by doctors in the following ways:

•    Oral medications

•    Skin patch

•    Injections

•    Rectal suppositories

•    PCA pump

oncologist in Siliguri

Common Medications To Manage Cancer Pain

Two major categories of drugs used by doctors to treat cancer pain are Opioids and Non-Opioid medications like Acetaminophen and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Acting like natural endorphins, opioids help the body to relieve pain and stress. Opioids are administered to patients suffering from mild to severe cancer pain or pain arising from cancer treatment. Some of the most widely used opioids in cancer pain treatment are:

•    Fentanyl

•    Hydrocodone

•    Hydromorphone

•    Methadone

•    Morphine

•    Oxycodone

•    Oxymorphone

•    Tapentadol

•    Tramadol

Two versions of opiods available in the market are Immediate Release (IR) where the medicine is released in the bloodstream all at once and Extended Release (ER) where the drug is released slowly allowing the body to absorb the medicine gradually. Both versions are used by doctors depending upon the intensity of pain that the patient is suffering from.

Some common side effects of opiods medications include:

•    Nausea

•    Constipation

•    Sleepiness

•    Itchiness

•    Confusion and dizziness

•    Hallucinations

•    Slow breathing

•    Trouble urinating

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs & Acetaminophen

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen are often used by doctors to treat moderate and mild cancer pain. They can be purchased as an OTC drug or through prescription. Some of the most common OTC NSAIDs are:

•    Aspirin

•    Ibuprofen

•    Naproxen

The most commonly prescribed NSAIDs include:

•    Celecoxib

•    Diclofenac

•    Indomethacin

•    Meloxicam

•    Nabumetone

•    Ketorolac

•    Oxaprozin

•    Sulindac

oncologist in siliguri

It is always advised to take NSAIDs in consultation with doctors as they may react with other medications and cause severe side effects. Some of the medications and factors that complicate the risk associated with NSAIDs are:

•    Kidney disorders

•    Chemotherapy

•    Allergies to aspirin

•    Lithium

•    Steroids

•    Stomach ulcers

•    Gout

•    Blood pressure medicines

•    Diabetes medications

•    Blood thinners

•    Use of alcohol

On a few occasions doctors prescribe combination medicines like the following to manage cancer pain:

•    A weak opioid with a non-opioid medicine

•    NSAID drug with opioid

•    Acetaminophen with opioid

•    Two opioids together

Cancer pain arising from the disease and its treatment requires a close watch and regulated use of drugs and medicines to offer substantial relief and reduce the discomfort caused by the condition. It is best managed by an oncologist or a specialized doctor who understands the character and effects of various drugs on the patient.