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.