Managing Pain

The physical pain caused by mesothelioma is perceived by some as impossible to bear. Many patients and their families are unaware of the fact that there are effective solutions for controlling cancer pain, and often with a combination of medicines physical pain can be managed.

What Causes Pain Associated with Mesothelioma?

Pain linked to mesothelioma can be attributed to several things including treatment, tumors, diseased tissue, and other issues. Treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation can contribute to pain by causing side effects or unwarranted reactions of the body. Tumors can cause pain if they are situated in areas that cause them to press against major organs or nerves. Pain can also be caused by unrelated conditions, such as tension or muscle aches, that may seem worsened by mesothelioma effects.

Classifying and Controlling Pain

In order to find viable treatments for managing pain, it is important to identify the unique needs of every patient. Classifying which category of pain one’s affliction fits into is one of the first steps. The three main categories of pain include acute, breakthrough, and chronic. With acute pain, the duration of it is short, and it often comes quickly. Breakthrough and chronic lasts longer periods and may progress as time passes.

Controlling pain is typically done with combinations of medications that vary depending on the type of pain one has. For pain that is mild to moderate, non-prescription medicines may help, including aspirin and ibuprofen. However, before using any of these medications, patients should consult their physician. Pain that is moderate to severe can be controlled with prescription medications like narcotics or opioids including codeine, morphine, and methadone. Breakthrough pain may be controlled using rapid release opioids and other fast acting medications.

Possible Side Effects of Medication

With taking any medication, there are possible related side effects. Some are minimal and last only a short period, while others may be more severe, and longer lasting. Some of the common side effects associated with taking opioids, a common medication used for treating cancer pain, include vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness. Vomiting and drowsiness can be treated with additional prescriptions from one’s doctor and other methods. For constipation, drinking plenty of fluids, eating whole grains, and exercise are possible remedies for alleviating this effect. It’s important to alert a physician about experiencing these side effects and others that may be more severe, including shortness of breath, sudden skin irregularities, or dizziness, as soon as possible.