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Pain Management
Pain Management
The main aim while treating mesothelioma is
to provide as much relief as possible to the
patient. In spite of the various methods of
treatment this may not always be possible. So
it is very important that the patient learns
to cope with his pain. It is equally important
for the family members to provide him with as
much support as possible and cope with the pain
and sorrow associated with the disease.
Some of the options available for pain management
are :
Non-opioids like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®),
and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen-best for mild pain-can
relieve superficial pain, bone pain, muscle
pain, and some other types of pain. Side effects
vary, but in general NSAIDs can lead to toxicity
in the digestive system, and even to ulcers
and bleeding.
Opioids (including codeine, oxycodone, morphine,
fentanyl, and hydromorphone) vary in their ability
to relieve pain but in general are excellent
medicines for helping with pain associated with
mesothelioma. Opioids may be given orally or
intravenously. But they can have side effects,
and also be addictive.
A variety of adjuvant analgesics may help relieve
some kinds of pain in certain situations. Some
antidepressants and anticonvulsants relieve
neuropathic pain and decrease depression. Steroids
can help ease pain that's connected to swelling
and/or with bone pain. Pain-killing drugs can
be applied to the skin, injected into the spinal
canal, and even sometimes given orally for relieving
tingling, burning-type pain.