Booklet: What You Need to Know about Pancreatic Cancer

Pain Control

Pain is a common problem for people with pancreatic cancer, especially when the cancer grows outside the pancreas and presses against nerves and other organs. However, the doctor can usually relieve or reduce pain. It is important for patients to report their pain so the doctor can take steps to help relieve it.

There are several ways to control pain caused by pancreatic cancer. In most cases, the doctor prescribes medicine to control the pain. Sometimes a combination of pain medicines is needed. Medicines that relieve pain may make people drowsy and constipated, but resting and taking laxatives can help. In some cases, pain medicine is not enough. The doctor may use other treatments that affect nerves in the abdomen. For example, the doctor may inject alcohol into the area around certain nerves to block the feeling of pain. The injection can be done during surgery or by using a long needle inserted through the skin into the abdomen. This procedure rarely causes problems and usually provides pain relief. Sometimes, the doctor cuts nerves in the abdomen during surgery to block the feeling of pain. In addition, radiation therapy can help relieve pain by shrinking the tumor.

The Cancer Information Service can supply booklets called Questions and Answers About Pain Control and Get Relief From Cancer Pain. People with pancreatic cancer and their families may find these booklets helpful.

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