Mesothelioma Aid

Wellness > Managing Mesothelioma Pain

Cancer causes pain by extension of the tumor into soft tissues, nerve compression, getting into the bones, and by raising intercranial pressure.

The World Health Organization lists drugs used to fight cancer pain:

Category	Basic drugs	Alternatives
Non-opioids	aspirin paracentamol ibuprofen indometacin	choline magnesium trisalyicylate diflunisal naproxen diclofenac
Opioids for mild to moderate pain	codeine	dihydrocodeine dextropropoxyphene standardized opium tramadol
Opioids for moderate to severe pain	morphine	methadone hydromorphone oxycodone levorphanol pethidine buprenorphine
Opioid antagonist	naloxone
Antidepressants	amitriptyline	imipramine
Anticonvulsants	carbamazepine	valproic acid
Corticosteroids	prednisolone dexamethasone	prednisone betamethasone

 

According to the WIO, some pains respond well to a combination of drugs, such as an opioid and a non-opioid or a coritcosteroid with an opioid.

Doctors also consider whether the pain is neuropathic, in which case antidepressants and anticonvulsants may be better options.

Analgesics are usually given by mouth, although rectal suppositories may be used for patients with vomiting or gastrointestinal obstruction.