The Practice of Cancer Pain: A Case Series

Abstract

Cancer pain management is unique in that it requires a balance of pharmacologic and interventional therapies in the face of clinical challenges specific to cancer treatment and progression. This chapter presents a series of case studies highlighting frequent clinical scenarios encountered by pain practitioners and the treatment algorithms that are generally employed to optimize a patient’s treatment. Cancer pain management is focused on pain and palliation and often requires the practitioner to change their focus throughout a patient’s treatment. It can start with medication management and the employment of interventional techniques but often focuses on symptomatic management, prognosis, and individual patient goals. Changing underlying pathology often requires a practitioner to frequently reassess a patient to accurately diagnose and treat their pain. Ultimately, our goal for each patient with cancer pain is to optimize the treatment of pain and maximize quality of life and functionality.