Causes of cancer pain
Causes of Cancer Pain
Cancer pain (pronunciation: /ˈkænsər peɪn/) is a complex, multifaceted symptom that can be caused by the cancer itself, or by the treatments used to combat it. The etymology of the term "cancer" comes from the Latin cancer, meaning "crab", due to the crab-like spread of the disease in the body.
Cancer Itself
Cancer can cause pain by growing into or destroying tissue near the cancerous tumor. This is often the initial source of pain. Tumors can also press on bones, nerves or organs, causing pain.
Cancer Treatments
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can also cause pain. Chemotherapy can cause mucositis, a painful condition affecting the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract. Radiation therapy can cause radiation burns, skin changes, and other painful conditions. Surgery can result in postoperative pain, including both acute and chronic pain.
Metastasis
Metastasis, the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, can also cause pain. When cancer spreads, it can cause pain in the new areas. For example, if cancer spreads to the bones, it can cause bone pain.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain, pain caused by damage to the nervous system, is a common cause of cancer pain. This can be caused by the cancer itself, or as a side effect of treatments.
Related Terms
- Cancer
- Tumor
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Metastasis
- Neuropathic pain
- Mucositis
- Radiation burns
- Bone pain
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Causes of cancer pain
- Wikipedia's article - Causes of cancer pain
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