Management of chronic malignant pain – an updated review

S Parthasarathy, Abhimanyu Singh
2019 SBV Journal of Basic, Clinical and Applied Health Science  
Cancer Pain is a multi-dimensional pain experience which involves diverse neurophysiological changes and is associated with significant cognitive, emotional and sociocultural problems. Globally, the incidence is very high and usually it is undertreated. Lack of knowledge about managing malignant pain is an important cause of undertreatment. All types of pain are possible with malignancies. Assessment of pain characteristics is vital for proper management. The WHO step ladder pattern is the
more » ... rstone of management. There are different pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. Morphine is the choice opioid being administered by various routes. All drugs should be used as round the clock regimen. Opioid switch is opted to tackle tolerance. Nerve blockade especially with alcohol are still being used. Newer treatment modalities like implantable intrathecal pumps, dorsal column stimulation are in the pipeline for future. A passionate counselling may frequently release knotted conundrum of difficult analgesic strategies.
doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10082-02102 fatcat:f7fzs2vgrbg63bm4syzg6bdeiu