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Mesothelioma pain & management
One of the main signs alerting people that they may have mesothelioma can be physical pain. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, pain may be felt in the chest or the abdomen. If the cancer has spread, pain may be experienced in other areas of the body as well. As a mesothelioma tumor grows, symptoms that were initially slight can become more severe.
What Causes Mesothelioma Pain?
Most pain is caused by fluid buildup, a common mesothelioma symptom. As the tumor grows and expands, it produces fluid in the chest or abdomen. Fluid in the chest compresses the lung, causing intense pain. Mesothelioma pain can cause difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite as the fluid slowly crushes vital organs.
Although the pain associated with mesothelioma cannot always be eliminated, there are many options for reducing your discomfort. In fact, effective mesothelioma pain management during all the various stages is an important factor in your quality of life. Additionally, the earlier pain treatment is begun, the more effective it is in providing relief. Below are some common approaches used for mesothelioma pain management.
Medication
Non-Opioid Drugs
Certain medications called non-opioids may be prescribed to relieve mild to moderate mesothelioma pain. These include drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin and Aleve). Non-opioids may be given to a patient in a variety of ways, including orally, rectally, intravenously, or subcutaneously (injection). Non-opioid pain relievers may be prescribed along with other therapies depending on the severity of pain.
Opioid Drugs
For moderate to severe mesothelioma pain, narcotic pain relievers, or opioids, may be prescribed. This class of drugs includes morphine, fentanyl, codeine, and oxycodone. Other narcotics include Actiq, Duragesic, and Dilaudid. Opioids rarely pose a danger of addiction for the patient, and may be used in combination with other drugs and therapies when the pain is extreme. They may be prescribed at any stage of mesothelioma treatment.
Onset Narcotic Pain Relievers
A class of fast-acting drugs called onset narcotic pain relievers is typically used to treat breakthrough pain. Breakthrough mesothelioma pain is severe pain that occurs suddenly and lasts only a short time. An example of an onset narcotic pain reliever is oral morphine.
Other Medications
Some drugs are used specifically to treat the burning and tingling pain associated with mesothelioma, which is a result of nerve damage. Antidepressants such as Elavil and Norpramine are often prescribed, even if the patient is not depressed. Other kinds of drugs used for tingling and burning pain are anticonvulsants such as Neurontin. Corticosteroids, which reduce swelling, are also effective in treating this type of mesothelioma pain.
Nerve Blocks
In a nerve block, or neural blockade, a local anesthetic is injected into or around the nerves below the skin where the patient is experiencing pain. This temporarily stops pain signals being transmitted from the brain, providing relief for several hours. Nerve blocks are typically used to treat acute and chronic mesothelioma cancer pain.
Epidural and Intrathecal Pumps
For more widespread mesothelioma pain management, an epidural or intrathecal pump may be used. These pumps deliver medication continuously to broad areas of pain. They are also referred to as patient-controlled analgesia, or PCA. With PCA, the patient is able to control the amount of medication they receive by simply pushing a button. Epidural and intrathecal pumps are typically very effective and often result in fewer side effects than other forms of pain relief medication.
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery involves surgery of the brain or nerve tissue. During neurosurgery, the nerves that transmit pain messages are cut or destroyed, and painful sensations can no longer be felt. Neurosurgical techniques are sometimes used to relieve mesothelioma pain, and involve implanting drug-delivery devices and stimulating nerve fibers to help eliminate or reduce discomfort.
Alternative Pain Management
In some cases, traditional methods of pain management aren't very effective. As a result, some patients may choose alternative practices to help treat their mesothelioma pain. These alternative treatments can be used to relieve post-procedure pain, chronic pain associated with mesothelioma and other cancers, and discomfort during certain medical procedures. Below are some alternative mesothelioma pain management techniques used today.
Relaxation
Relaxation can relieve the pain of mesothelioma by reducing tension in the muscles. Typical relaxation techniques focus on deep breathing, quiet and meditation. Relaxation can be performed at home and can improve sleep, lessen fatigue, relieve anxiety, and even boost the performance of other pain relief methods.
Biofeedback
This method involves the use of specialized machines to help patients learn to control heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Biofeedback techniques, which must be administered with the help of a trained biofeedback technician, can help patients cope with mesothelioma pain by improving their ability to relax.
Hypnosis
When performed by a trained specialist, hypnosis--a state of high concentration between wakefulness and sleep--can block pain awareness or substitute other sensations for painful ones. Self-hypnosis can also be effective in managing mesothelioma pain.
Massage
Applied over or near the specific area of mesothelioma pain, the act of slow, steady massage can bring welcome relief to a cancer patient. A massage can be performed by a family member, friend, or licensed massage therapist using warm oils, powders, or other substances.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of healing, involving the insertion of very fine needles into the body at certain points, depths, and angles. It is a proven and broadly accepted form of mesothelioma pain relief that can be very effective in treating the discomfort felt by many patients.
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
During TENS, harmless electric currents are applied to the skin by way of a small electrical device. The device sends mild electrical impulses into the body which seem to reduce pain sensations. A TENS unit, when used properly, can be used by mesothelioma cancer patients at home for effective pain relief.
Cold or Heat
The application of cold can be effective in numbing painful areas of the body, and can be applied using gel packs, ice cubes wrapped in a towel, or water frozen in a paper cup. Heat works to relieve pain by easing sore muscles. Heat can be applied by using a heating pad, hot water bottles, a hot, moist towel, or by taking a hot bath or shower. In some cases, alternating hot and cold methods can provide added pain relief associated with mesothelioma.
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