Cancer pain is a complex type of pain that can result from the cancer itself—as it invades or compresses tissues—or as a side effect of cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. It may be acute or chronic, localized or widespread, and often requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective relief.
Cancer pain is highly individual and can range from mild and intermittent to severe and constant, affecting both physical comfort and emotional well-being. The goal of treatment is to control pain while maximizing quality of life.
Common Causes of Cancer Pain
Tumor infiltration into bones, nerves, or organs
Bone metastases from cancers such as breast, prostate, or lung cancer
Post-surgical pain after tumor removal or biopsy
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Radiation-induced tissue damage
Cancer-related inflammation or obstruction (e.g., bowel, bladder)
Spinal cord compression from tumor growth or metastasis
Types of Cancer Pain
Nociceptive pain – caused by tissue injury or inflammation
Neuropathic pain – caused by nerve damage or compression
Visceral pain – from internal organs (e.g., liver, pancreas, bowel)
Breakthrough pain – sudden, intense pain episodes that “break through” baseline pain control
Phantom pain – pain in a limb or organ that has been surgically removed
Conservative & Medical Treatment Options
Medications
Non-opioid analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen, NSAIDs)
Opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl) for moderate to severe pain
Adjuvant therapies:
Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin)
Corticosteroids for inflammation and nerve compression
Topical agents (e.g., lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream)
Palliative sedation in end-of-life settings, when appropriate
Supportive Care
Physical therapy and mobility support
Psychological support and counseling
Palliative care coordination for symptom management and quality of life
Interventional Pain Management Options
For patients with refractory, severe, or localized cancer pain, interventional procedures can provide targeted relief with fewer systemic side effects:
Nerve Blocks
Celiac Plexus Block – for upper abdominal cancers (pancreas, stomach, liver)
Hypogastric Plexus Block – for pelvic and genitourinary cancers
Stellate Ganglion Block – for head, neck, and upper extremity pain
Peripheral nerve blocks – for localized tumor-related pain (e.g., chest wall, limbs)
Epidural or Intrathecal Pain Pumps
Deliver pain medication directly to the spinal fluid
Ideal for patients with widespread pain or intolerable medication side effects
Reduces need for high-dose oral opioids
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
May be considered for neuropathic cancer pain in selected cases
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Used to interrupt nerve pathways transmitting pain from cancer-affected tissues
Vertebral Augmentation (e.g., Kyphoplasty)
Minimally invasive procedure to treat painful vertebral compression fractures due to bone metastases
When to Seek Help
You should consult a cancer pain specialist if:
Your current medications aren’t relieving your pain
You’re experiencing significant side effects from pain medications
You have localized pain that may benefit from nerve-targeted treatments
Pain is affecting your ability to sleep, eat, or engage in daily life
Compassionate Cancer Pain Management
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we provide compassionate, comprehensive care for patients living with cancer. Our team works closely with your oncologists, surgeons, and palliative care team to create a personalized pain management plan, using the latest in interventional and supportive treatments to improve comfort and preserve dignity.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to explore safe, effective options for cancer-related pain relief.