Cancer Pain

About 30.6% of Americans who have cancer develop moderate to severe pain as a result of the disease. If your life feels limited by chronic cancer pain, you can find the compassionate care you deserve at Palm Beach Pain Institute. In addition to diagnosing the root cause of cancer-related pain, board-certified pain management specialist Marcie Merson, MD, goes above and beyond to help you stay ahead of pain as you navigate your cancer journey. Call the office in Delray Beach, Florida, to schedule a cancer pain consultation, or book an appointment online today. 

Why does cancer cause pain?

Cancer is a disease that develops when cells divide and multiply abnormally. Pain is a common side effect of cancer due to the disease itself, especially for people in the advanced stages of the disease.

Cancer pain can also result from tumors that press on nearby nerves, organs, or the spinal cord. In cases where cancer is present in bone, pain can develop when the bones become weak and cancerous cells spread to other bones.

Those who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to treat cancer are also susceptible to chronic pain, including a long-lasting pain known as phantom pain. Phantom pain causes pain sensations in areas that are no longer there. 

For instance, women with breast cancer who undergo a mastectomy to remove a breast might still feel breast pain long after surgery.

Palm Beach Pain Institute specializes in the ongoing management of cancer-related pain in adults and adolescents. Dr. Merson uses advanced techniques to keep pain and related symptoms well-controlled so you can focus on your cancer recovery.

When should I schedule a cancer pain consultation?

Schedule a cancer pain consultation at Palm Beach Pain Institute if you experience persistent pain after a cancer test or treatment. While pain is a common side effect of the disease, a range of treatments can keep it under control.

You can also meet with Dr. Merson if your current treatment plan for cancer pain isn’t working and the chronic discomfort interferes with your day-to-day activities and quality of life.

Based on your type of cancer and its stage, Dr. Merson creates a care plan to ease the intensity of pain so you can function well, sleep better, and fight cancer with more energy.

How is cancer pain treated?

Palm Beach Pain Institute focuses on nonsurgical pain management strategies to relieve severe or persistent cancer pain.

Dr. Merson may use one or more therapies to keep your pain well-controlled so that you can stay active. Your treatment plan may include:

• Physical therapy
• Oral medications
• Nerve blocks
• Intrathecal pain pumps

Because cancer pain can affect your mental and emotional health, Dr. Merson can refer you for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other psychological counseling so you can better cope with the challenges of cancer pain.

Call Palm Beach Pain Institute to schedule a cancer pain evaluation or book a consultation online today.