| Theme |
Pain Management in Gastrointestinal Cancer |
| Title |
Multidimensional Assessment of Pain in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer |
| Author |
Hajime Fujimoto |
Fujimoto Home-Visit Palliative Care Clinic / Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College |
| Author |
Chiyo Fujii |
Fujimoto Home-Visit Palliative Care Clinic |
| Author |
Kayoko Amiya |
Fujimoto Home-Visit Palliative Care Clinic |
| Author |
Hidetaka Mochizuki |
Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College |
| [ Summary ] |
Pain is one of the most common problems for cancer patients. The two most common causes of cancer related pain are the disease itself (primary tumor, metastasis or recurrent tumor) and treatments for cancer. Regardless of the clinical stage, continued appropriate assessment of cancer pain should be provided while considering the causes of pain. Pain control should be pursued aggressively soon after assessment. It is important to share information concerning the assessment of cancer related pain among medical staff members engaged in treatment. Maintaining a balance between cytoreductive therapy and palliative care is also crucial. In cases of gastrointestinal tract cancer, because of the relationship between obstructive symptoms and pain, particular medical requirements are often necessary. To ensure optimal pain control for cancer patients, it is important to evaluate symptoms from a holistic perspective. |