Having cancer does not equate to having pain; however, the cancer itself, surgery, treatment, and tests associated with it can result in pain. Like any type of pain, the amount of cancer pain you experience will depend on a number of factors, including the type of cancer, what stage it’s at, other health problems you may have, and your tolerance for pain. What feels like unmanageable pain for someone else may be only a minor irritant to you, and vice versa.

Fortunately, if you are experiencing pain as a result of your cancer or treatment for your cancer, there are pain management options available with the assistance of the pain doctors in Orlando. Simply get in contact with a pain management physician like Neil Patel, M.D. today and begin your journey to long-term relief with a customized, multi-step treatment approach.

How Does a Pain Management Doctor in Orlando Go About Treating Different Types of Cancer Pain?

No matter what type of cancer you’re facing, a pain management doctor in Orlando will approach the treatment of your pain by performing a careful review of your medical history. This will include how long you’ve experienced your symptoms, what treatment you’ve previously received, and the severity of your pain. After performing a thorough examination and ordering any pertinent imaging necessary, he or she will then move to create an individualized plan of care designed around your symptoms that can be adjusted based on your progress.

Metastatic Bone Disease/Pain

Any cancer that begins in an organ, such as the lung or the kidney, and then spreads to the bone is known as metastatic bone disease. Of the 1.2 million new cancer cases that are diagnosed each year, approximately 50 percent of these tumors can spread to the bone in bone metastases. This causes great pain in the area in which it has spread, weakens the bone, and puts you at greater risk for broken bones.

The most common treatment options recommended by the pain doctors in Orlando to manage your pain and prevent further spread of this disease are radiation, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthotics. Different cancers respond differently to treatment options, which is why it’s important for your doctor to review your history and conduct any necessary tests before creating a treatment plan.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues of your pancreas — an organ in your abdomen responsible for producing enzymes that break down sugars, starches, and fats. Pain can be a significant issue for those with pancreatic cancer as growing tumors can press down on nerves near the pancreas, leading to pain in your abdomen and back.

Pancreatic cancer is best treated with a combination of treatment options, including opioids, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a celiac plexus block. A celiac plexus block is a procedure in which numbing medicine or a medication that destroys nerves is injected along the celiac plexus, a collection of nerves that carries pain signals from the pancreas. To find out if you are a candidate for a celiac plexus block, you’ll want to contact a pain management dr in Orlando.

Neuropathy

Last but not least, there is neuropathy or the general condition that results from nerve damage. While different cancers may invade nerves or nerve collections, a good number of chemotherapy drugs and other treatments for cancer like surgery and radiation may also result in nerve damage. Symptoms of neuropathy will vary depending on which type of nerve is affected. Those with affected sensory nerves may feel numbness or tingling, while those with affected motor nerves are likely to feel weak and have trouble walking.

A pain management specialist may treat your neuropathy with medication, such as dexamethasone, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and local anesthetics. However, should these be unsuccessful, some patients may also benefit from spinal cord stimulation in which a small device is placed in your epidural space.

No matter what type of cancer you’re suffering from, it’s important to remember that you can enjoy long-term relief from your pain with the help of the pain doctors in Orlando. Request an initial consultation today, and a pain management physician like Dr. Patel will work with you to develop a strategy on how you can manage and lessen your pain as much as possible.