Introduction:
Cancer pain can be a debilitating symptom that significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life. Many different cancer pain procedures can be used to help relieve pain and improve function.
Types of Cancer Pain Procedures
There are two main types of cancer pain procedures: interventional and surgical.
Interventional procedures are minimally invasive procedures that involve injecting medication or inserting a device into the body to block pain signals. Some common interventional procedures for cancer pain include:
- Nerve blocks: These procedures involve injecting local anesthetics or steroids around nerves to block pain signals.
- Spinal cord stimulation: This procedure involves implanting a small device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to block pain signals.
- Intrathecal drug delivery: This procedure involves implanting a small device that delivers medication directly into the spinal canal to relieve pain.
Surgical procedures are more invasive procedures that involve removing or destroying tissue that is causing pain. Some common surgical procedures for cancer pain include:
- Vertebroplasty: This procedure involves injecting bone cement into a fractured vertebra to relieve pain.
- Kyphoplasty: This procedure involves inflating a balloon inside a fractured vertebra to create space for bone cement to be injected.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and relieve pain.
Which Cancer Pain Procedure is Right for Me?
The best cancer pain procedure for you will depend on the type and location of your pain, as well as your overall health. Your doctor will discuss the different options with you and help you choose the right procedure for your individual needs.
General Questions About Cancer Pain Procedures
Are cancer pain procedures safe?
Cancer pain procedures are generally safe, but there are some risks associated with any medical procedure. The specific risks of a cancer pain procedure will depend on the type of procedure you are having.
How long do cancer pain procedures take?
The length of time a cancer pain procedure takes will depend on the type of procedure you are having. Some procedures, such as nerve blocks, can be done in a doctor’s office in just a few minutes. Other procedures, such as spinal cord stimulation, may require surgery and take several hours to complete.
How long do the effects of cancer pain procedures last?
The effects of cancer pain procedures can vary. Some procedures, such as nerve blocks, may only provide temporary relief. Other procedures, such as spinal cord stimulation, can provide long-term relief.
Is medication management part of the treatment protocol as well?
For most part, medication management is also part of overall cancer-related pain and can help with the residual pain or work in conjunction with pain procedures.
Conclusion
Cancer pain procedures can be an effective way to relieve pain and improve function in patients with cancer. There are a number of different procedures available, so the Spine and Pain Clinic Of Texas (SPOT) can help you choose the right one for your individual needs. Contact us at +1 (214) 256-3900.
