Pain Management

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 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 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.

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.

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

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