Pain related to cancer is caused by a variety of factors. It is not necessary for you to know the cause of your pain to receive treatment, but having knowledge may help you feel more in control. Alerting your doctor or nurse immediately about the pain you are having makes treatment more effective. Cancer Related Pain Pain caused by the actual cancer can be divided into two categories.
Nociceptive pain is caused by damage to tissue.
It is usually described as sharp, aching or throbbing pain. Neuropathic pain happens when there is actual nerve damage. People may describe this pain as a burning or heavy sensation, or numbness. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can lessen and control pain caused by tumors because of their ability to remove or reduce the size of the tumor, thus removing the source of the problem. Pain medications are also used to control pain from cancer.