PainCare Florida Physicians

Oncologic Pain

PAIN CONDITION

Oncologic Pain: Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief

Facing cancer involves physical, emotional, and psychological challenges, but pain is often one of the most distressing symptoms.[1] Oncologic pain, or cancer-related pain, refers to any type of pain you may experience while battling cancer, regardless of its cause. This includes pain from the disease itself, from treatments or procedures, and from unrelated conditions that worsen during cancer care.

Effective oncological pain management is an essential part of improving quality of life throughout every stage of cancer — from diagnosis to survivorship or end-of-life care.[1]

About Oncological Pain in Cancer Patients

Oncologic pain encompasses various pain types, intensities, and sources.[2] You may not hear your medical team say “oncologic pain” or even “cancer pain”; they may use terms the American Cancer Society defines as:

  • Acute: Sudden, severe, but short-term
  • Chronic: Usually occurs over time and lasts longer than 3 months
  • Breakthrough: Feeling pain despite medication

While some pain is caused by the tumor pressing on tissues or nerves, other pain may come from treatments, surgeries, comorbidities, or long-term complications such as neuropathy or musculoskeletal strain.[3]

Cancer-related pain may also stem from coexisting medical conditions — such as arthritis or back pain — that become harder to manage during cancer treatment.[4]

Types of Oncologic Pain

Not all cancer itself causes pain, but treatments, tumor pressure, or underlying conditions can all lead to various types of pain that create a complex pain management situation.

Cancer Research UK lists the following types of pain oncology patients may experience:

  • Nerve pain: Neuropathy or neuropathic pain is from pressure or damage to your nerves
  • Somatic pain: Aching, dull pain within your bones.
  • Visceral pain: Cramping or aching from internal organs or soft tissue like muscles (soft tissue pain).
  • Phantom pain: Pain felt in limbs or areas that have been removed, like a mastectomy (breast removal).
  • Referred pain: Feeling pain in one area, but it’s coming from a different part of your body.

Oncologic Pain Symptoms

If you are an oncology patient experiencing pain, it’s possible that it’s not caused directly by your cancer. When cancer is present, diagnosing and treating the cause can be challenging. Pain can be anywhere from mild to severe, and left untreated, can negatively impact your life.

Here are several ways malignant pain sensations are described:

  • Burning, shooting, tingling, or like something is crawling under your skin [2]
  • Aching, throbbing, or stabbing pain in affected areas [2]
  • Sharp, cramping, aching, or throbbing [2]
  • Pain in a body part that’s no longer there [2]
  • Pain that worsens with movement or at night [5]
  • Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes [5]
  • Muscle or joint weakness, stiffness, or limited mobility [6]

Pain Causes in Oncology Patients

Cancer-related pain can stem from your cancer, other medical conditions, and treatment. Your pain may even persist long after treatment or remission.

Here are several causes of oncologic pain:

  • Tumor growth pressing on tissues or nerves
  • Surgery (postoperative pain) [7]
  • Aromatase inhibitor therapy (muscle and joint pain) [7]
  • Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy) [8]
  • Breakthrough pain [8]
  • Inflammation from cancer or therapies [7]
  • Peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy [7]
  • Bone metastases [2]
  • Soft tissue damage [2]
  • Diagnostic procedures [7]
  • Co-existing conditions exacerbated by cancer care (e.g., arthritis, injury) [9]

Oncologic pain specialists also consider pain that continues into survivorship, or pain in those with advanced or palliative needs.[7]

Oncologic Pain Management Treatments

Pain caused by cancer can come from the tumor itself, coexisting health conditions, treatments like surgery or chemotherapy, or complications like nerve damage and bone involvement. Managing this complex condition requires a personalized approach with collaboration from your entire healthcare team, including pain management doctors, oncologists, palliative care experts, and physical therapists.

While medications like opioids may be necessary for some patients, pain management isn’t only about medication. Your care plan may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Anticonvulsants or antidepressants for nerve pain
  • Topical treatments for localized discomfort
  • Medical cannabis, only when appropriate and legally available

For patients with moderate to severe pain, non-surgical interventions can be very effective.

These include:

  • Nerve blocks
  • Sympathetic blocks
  • Peripheral nerve blocks
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Celiac plexus block (pancreatic cancer)
  • Intrathecal drug pumps
  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty

A complete pain management plan also focuses on overall wellness. That may mean adding lifestyle and complementary therapies such as:

  • Gentle exercise and stretching
  • Mindfulness, guided relaxation, and meditation
  • Acupuncture and massage therapy
  • Nutrition support
  • Mental health counseling or spiritual care
  • Sleep and fatigue management strategies

When to Consult a Oncologic Pain Care Specialist

If cancer-related pain is interfering with your quality of life—especially your sleep, mood, or appetite—it’s time to talk to a pain specialist. Oncologic pain experts understand how to manage the complex, ever-changing nature of pain throughout your cancer diagnosis. Whether the pain is from the disease itself, treatment side effects, or other conditions happening alongside your cancer, they can help you feel better during both treatment and recovery.

Cancer is scary enough already—you don’t have to suffer in silence or figure this out alone. The earlier you seek personalized care, the sooner your pain can improve and your mood can lift. No matter where you are in your cancer journey, reach out and get the expert relief you deserve.

Disclaimer: This oncologic pain resource is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are a cancer patient experiencing new or worsening pain, sudden weight loss, difficulty breathing, confusion, or uncontrolled symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Always consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

Resources:

  1. Mao JJ, Ismaila N, Bao T, et al. Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology–ASCO Guideline. Journal of Clinical Oncology [Internet]. Published 19, 2022. Volume 40, Number 34. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.22.01357. Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.01357
  2. Causes and types of cancer pain | Coping with cancer. Cancer Research UK [Internet]. Cancer Research UK [Internet]. Published 2018. Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/cancer-and-pain-control/causes-and-types
  3. Facts About Cancer Pain | Pain from Cancer & Cancer Treatment. American Cancer Society [Internet]. Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/pain/cancer-pain/pain-in-people-with-cancer.html
  4. Mestdagh F, Steyaert A, Lavand’homme P. Cancer Pain Management: A Narrative Review of Current Concepts, Strategies, and Techniques. Curr Oncol. 2023;30(7):6838-6858. Published 2023 July 18. doi:10.3390/curroncol30070500 Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10378332/
  5. Caraceni A, Shkodra M. Cancer Pain Assessment and Classification. Cancers (Basel) [Internet]. 2019;11(4):510. Published 2019 Apr 10. doi:10.3390/cancers11040510 Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6521068
  6. Cancer Pain Management. MD Anderson Cancer Center [Internet]. Published 2019. Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/emotional-physical-effects/cancer-pain-management.html
  7. Cancer Pain. National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Published January 8, 2025. Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/pain/pain-pdq#
  8. Cancer Pain. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17316-pain-management–cancer-care
  9. Understanding Cancer Pain. Cancer Council Victoria [Internet]. Accessed April 29, 2025. Available from: https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/treatments/common-side-effects/overcoming-cancer-pain/overcoming-cancer-pain-overview.html
Scroll to Top