Español
Sign up for our email
OncoLink
  • Cancer Types

    Discover information about different types of cancer

      • Cancer Types
      • Blood Cancers
      • Bone Cancers
      • Brain Tumors
      • Breast Cancer
      • Carcinoid & Neuroendocrine Tumors
      • Endocrine System Cancers
      • Gastrointestinal Cancers
      • Gynecologic Cancers
      • Head and Neck Cancers
      • Lung Cancers
      • Lymphomas
      • Metastatic Cancer
      • Multiple Myeloma
      • OncoLink Vet
      • Pediatric Cancers
      • Penile Cancer
      • Pheochromocytoma
      • Prostate Cancer
      • Sarcomas
      • Skin Cancers
      • Testicular Cancer
      • Thymoma & Thymic Carcinoma
      • Thyroid Cancer
      • Urinary Tract Cancers
  • Patients

    Learn about cancer, diagnosis, treatment, coping & survivorship

      • Cancer Treatment
      • Bone Marrow Transplants
      • Cancer Medications
      • Clinical Trials
      • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
      • Gene & Immunotherapy
      • Getting Cancer Treatment? Start Here!
      • Hormone Therapy
      • Hospital Helpers
      • Interventional Specialties
      • Procedures & Diagnostic Tests
      • Proton Therapy
      • Radiation
      • Surgery
      • Targeted Therapies
      • Risk and Prevention
      • Diet, Alcohol and Cancer
      • Environmental and Occupational Exposures (UV Exposure, Radon, Radiation)
      • Exercise, Body Weight and Cancer
      • Genetics & Family History
      • Medications, Health History and Cancer Risk
      • Prevention & Screening
      • Sexual History & Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
      • Smoking, Tobacco and Cancer
      • Reduce My Risk Tool
      • Support
      • Support for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
      • Caregivers
      • Coping With Cancer
      • Coping With COVID-19
      • Creative Inspiration
      • Exercise & Cancer
      • Grief and Loss
      • Hospice and Palliative Care
      • Insurance, Legal, Employment & Financial Concerns
      • Managing Practical and Emotional Concerns
      • Nutrition and Cancer
      • OncoPilot: Navigating the Cancer Journey
      • Sexuality & Fertility
      • Side Effects
      • Survivorship
      • OncoLife
  • Healthcare Professionals

    Find resources & tools for oncology healthcare professionals

      • Healthcare Professionals
      • Build My Patient Treatment Binder
      • OncoLink Rx
      • Oncolife Survivorship Care Plan
      • OncoLink Rx Regimen Printer
      • Smart ALACC Care Plan
      • CAncer Teaching Tool (CATT)
      • Clinical Trials
      • Distress Screening Response Tools (DSRT)
      • O-Pro: Portal for Oncology Professionals
      • OncoLink University
      • Proton Therapy Professional Education
  • Sign up for our email
  • Español
  1. Support
  2. Side Effects
  3. Pain Management

Pain Management

Information about cancer related pain, how it is treated and common side effects of treatment.

find my

  • drugs
  • cancer

Understanding and Managing Pain

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can be described in a number of ways. It can be temporary or can last for a long time. This article provides an overview of pain, possible causes, pain rating, and how it can be managed.

Breakthrough Pain

Breakthrough pain is a sudden onset of pain that "breaks through" the long-acting medication prescribed to treat moderate to severe persistent pain. It is a type of pain that can be experienced by someone who has chronic pain.

Opioids for Treating Cancer Pain

Opioids are a type of medication used to treat pain in people with cancer. When used as directed these medications can be useful in managing chronic and acute pain.

Arm Pain after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

During an axillary lymph node dissection there is a chance that a certain nerve will be damaged. This nerve is called the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN). Damage to this nerve can cause arm pain that is not due to lymphedema.

Celiac Plexus Block

A celiac plexus block is a procedure used to manage abdominal (belly) pain caused by irritation of the celiac plexus.

Resources for More Information: Cancer Pain Management

This article provides resources for more information for patients and caregivers coping with cancer pain management.

Stay up to date with oncolink


Receive the latest resources and updates in your inbox.

OncoLink
  • About OncoLink
  • Partner with OncoLink to Support Your Work
  • Mission Statement
  • OncoLink Editorial Board
  • Contact Information
  • Privacy Statement
  • Use of the OncoLink Site and Content
  • Giving to OncoLink

All content © 2025 Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.
  • Terms and Conditions
  • | Privacy Policy

OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem or have questions or concerns about the medication that you have been prescribed, you should consult your health care provider.


Information Provided By: www.oncolink.org | © 2025 Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania