Causes Of Cancer Pain
Most cancer pain is caused by the tumour pressing on bones, nerves or other organs in the body.
Sometimes pain is due to your cancer treatment. For example, some chemotherapy drugs can cause numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. Or they might cause a burning sensation at the spot where you have the drug injection.
Radiotherapy can cause skin redness and irritation.
What Exams And Tests Diagnose Skin Cancer
If you have a worrisome mole or other lesion, your primary-care provider will probably refer you to a dermatologist. The dermatologist will examine any moles in question and, in many cases, the entire skin surface.
- Any lesions that are difficult to identify, or are thought to be skin cancer, may then be checked.
- A sample of skin will be taken so that the suspicious area of skin can be examined under a microscope.
- A biopsy can almost always be done in the dermatologist’s office.
If a biopsy shows that you have malignant melanoma, you will probably undergo further testing to determine the extent of spread of the disease, if any. This may involve blood tests, a chest X-ray, and other tests as needed.
Pain Is The Body’s Warning System That Alerts Us That Something Is Not Right Here Are 5 Pains That Could Suggest A Serious Illness Is Underway
Doctors have a love-hate relationship with pain. It can be a precautionary friend or a debilitating foe. Pain can protect against injury by warning people to approach a hot burner, sharp knife or a steep step with caution. Or it can be an important diagnostic tool, a signal that an illness is underway. It can also give injuries time to heal. If you pull a muscle for instance, the body will remain guarded until the pain lessens. But pain can also linger on for months and years causing great suffering and disability, especially at the end of life.
Whatever the reason for pain, it should never be neglected because it speaks volumes. In particular, pain that lasts for more than two weeks, or intensifies over time, can signal something sinister is at work, such as cancer. Knowing what to pay attention to can convince you to go to the doctor sooner, when early diagnosis and treatment can do the most good.
About Cancer Pain
Cancer pain can correspond directly to the spot where the tumor is located, or a distance from the original source. The pain can occur as soon as the tumor begins growing, or long after treatments end.
The quality and quantity of cancer pain also depends on how much room there is for the tumor to expand. So if a tumor is hemmed in the brain, pain might be experienced sooner than tumors in the belly, where it has more space to grow and spread.
Here are 5 pains that should never be ignored.
Chest Pain
Abdominal Pain
Pelvic Pain
Head Pain
Bone Pain
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Red Flag #: Abdominal Pain And Tenderness
Early on, there may be no noticeable symptoms that melanoma has spread to the liver. When symptoms do show up, they commonly include an enlarged, hard, or tender liver and pain in the upper right area of your abdomen, just below your ribs. Other signs cancer has spread to the liver are similar to symptoms of liver disease: fluid buildup in the belly and yellowing of the skin and eyes .
Does B12 Affect Muscles
Besides helping it break down protein and fat, b12 also supports muscle growth. that means your muscles will become weak, then youll lose their strength and suffer from dry, weak muscles. In addition to its antioxidant properties, this nutrient also supports the cell division of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in immune system functioning.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Non
Non-melanoma skin cancer usually starts as an abnormal area or change on any part of the skin. How non-melanoma skin cancer looks often depends on the type of cancer. Other health conditions can also look like non-melanoma skin cancer. See your doctor if you have any changes on your skin.
The following are common signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma , the most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially the head, face and neck. It can also develop on the central part of the body . BCC may appear on the skin as:
- a sore that doesnt heal or comes back after healing
- pale white or yellow flat areas that look like scars
- raised and scaly red patches
- small, smooth and shiny lumps that are pearly white, pink or red
- a pink growth with raised edges and indents in the centre
- a growth that has small blood vessels on the surface
- a sore that bleeds
- a growth or area that is itchy
Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, but it can also be found on the skin around the genitals and anus. It can occur on the skin of scars, sores, ulcers and burns. SCC may appear on the skin as:
- a sore that doesnt heal or comes back after healing
- rough or scaly red patches with irregular borders
- raised lumps that indent in the centre
- a growth that looks like a wart
- a sore that is crusty or bleeds easily
- a growth or area that is itchy, irritated or sore
A Patchy Red Rash That Can Turn Scaly: Lymphoma
Mycosis fungoides is a common rash in patients diagnosed with lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system the network of tissues and organs in our body that work to rid us of toxins.
It can be particularly dangerous because the cancerous cells can travel through the body in the bloodstream.
The cancer cells can then grow in several places at once, affecting multiple parts of the body.
A person with lymphoma may develop mycosis fungoides, a rash that is caused when the blood travels to the upper layer of the skin.
In its early stages it may appear as a patchy red rash but as it progresses it tends to become scaly.
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Wound Infection After Surgery
There is a risk of infection after skin cancer surgery, says Lucas. While in the office or the hospital we do everything as clean and infection-free as possible, but youre leaving the office with a fresh wound. It needs to be kept clean and protected and you need to be careful, she says.
Most surgical wound infections happen within 30 days of after surgery. There may be pus draining from the wound which can be red, painful, and hot to the touch.
A staph infection is probably the most common infection. Staph is found on all our skin some people carry this in their noses and in other areas, says Lucas.
There are risk factors that increase a persons chance of developing a surgical wound infection, including poorly controlled diabetes, an immune disorder, being overweight or obese, smoking, steroid use, or if the surgery lasted more than two hours.
There are ways to reduce the risk of infection after surgery, according to Lucas:
- Wash hands thoroughly before performing twice-a-day wound care.
- Avoid performing wound care in the bathroom if possible lots of bacteria can live in there.
- After cleaning the wound, keep it lubricated with something like Vaseline to keep the stich line moist.
- Be cautious when out and about and dont engage in strenuous activity.
What Is The Follow
Most skin cancer is cured surgically in the dermatologist’s office. Of skin cancers that do recur, most do so within three years. Therefore, follow up with your dermatologist as recommended. Make an appointment immediately if you suspect a problem.
If you have a more deeply invasive or advanced malignant melanoma, your oncologist may want to see you every few months. These visits may include total body skin examinations, regional lymph node checks, and periodic chest X-rays. Over time, the intervals between follow-up appointments will increase. Eventually these checks may be done only once a year.
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How Is Blood Cancer Diagnosed
To diagnose blood cancer, doctors may use several tests, including a physical exam, medical history, blood tests , bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, lymph node biopsy, lumbar puncture, and imaging tests scan, magnetic resonance imaging , or ultrasound). Some of these tests are also used to rule out other conditions.2
Stanford Cutaneous Lymphoma Program
The Stanford multispecialty Cutaneous Lymphoma team offers expert treatment for patients with cutaneous lymphomas, including mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome, CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders , subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma, CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic T-cell lymphoma, NK/T-cell lymphoma, other unspecified cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphomas, and cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. Our physicians subspecialize in treating these types of cancers, and have extensive expertise in handling the most complicated cases. Care among specialists is tightly integrated.
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Purpuric Or Vasculitic Rashes
Purpura is a term used to describe the purplish discoloration of the skin caused by bleeding into the skin. So purpuric is the adjective used to describe this type of rash. Vasculitic has to do with blood vessels. These rashes show as multiple deep red or purplish spots and can cause bruise-like patches. According to the BAD, these spots and patches are caused by damage in the superficial tiny blood vessels with bleeding into the skin.
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How Might Pain Affect People With Cancer
Any type of pain, not just cancer pain, can affect all parts of a person’s life. Some days it may be better or worse than others.
If you have pain, you might not be able to do your job well or take part in other day-to-day activities. You may have trouble sleeping and eating. You might be irritable with the people you love. Its easy to get frustrated, sad, and even angry when youre in pain. Family and friends dont always understand how youre feeling, and you may feel very alone. This is not unusual, so it’s important to talk about your pain with your health care team so they can help.
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When To See Your Doctor
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, itâs important to see your doctor. Most of the symptoms of kidney cancer have many potential causes, but there are other serious reasons you could be having these symptoms as well.
Kidney Cancer Doctor Discussion Guide
Get our printable guide for your next doctorâs appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Symptoms are our bodyâs way of signaling that something is wrong. Rather than fearing and ignoring them, take action to find out why theyâre occurring so that you can obtain appropriate and timely treatment. Talk to your doctor and ask questions. If you still donât have answers, consider getting a second opinion.
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E: Evolving And/or Elevated
“E” stands for two different features of melanoma:
- Elevation: Moles are often elevated above the skin, often unevenly so with some parts raised and others flat.
- Evolving: A mole that is evolving is also concerning and, in retrospect, many people with melanomas note that a mole had been changing in terms of size, shape, color, or general appearance before they were diagnosed.
When a melanoma develops in an existing mole, the texture may change and become hard, lumpy, or scaly. Although the skin may feel different and itch, ooze, or bleed, a melanoma does not usually cause pain.
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Surgery For Skin Cancer
Small skin cancer lesions may be removed through a variety of techniques, including simple excision , electrodesiccation and curettage , and cryosurgery .
Larger tumors, lesions in high-risk locations, recurrent tumors, and lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas are removed by a technique called Mohs micrographic surgery. For this technique, the surgeon carefully removes tissue, layer by layer, until cancer-free tissue is reached.
Malignant melanoma is treated more aggressively than just surgical removal. To ensure the complete removal of this dangerous malignancy, 1-2 cm of normal-appearing skin surrounding the tumor is also removed. Depending on the thickness of the melanoma, neighboring lymph nodes may also be removed and tested for cancer. The sentinel lymph node biopsy method uses a mildly radioactive substance to identify which lymph nodes are most likely to be affected.
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Managing And Relieving Skin Problems
Rashes, dry skin, and nail and hair reactions are rarely severe. But they can cause major discomfort. Patients may even want to stop cancer treatment because of these reactions. It is important to talk with your health care team about what to expect. Also tell your doctor as soon as you start feeling or seeing any side effects. There are early and effective treatments for these reactions.
The following suggestions may help avoid reactions and help relieve them if they do happen:
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Common Places For Melanoma To Spread
Melanoma can spread from the original site on your skin and form a tumor in any organ or body tissue, but its most likely to metastasize to the lymph nodes, liver, brain, lungs, and less commonly, the bones. Melanoma really likes the brain and the liver, says Lisa Zaba, M.D., dermatologic oncologist at Stanford Medical Center in San Jose, CA. If you notice any of the following red flags, it might mean your melanoma has spread and warrants a call to your doctor right away.
Is It Ok To Use Cosmetics To Cover Up Rashes Caused By Anticancer Medications
It is perfectly fine to use cosmetics on rashes. But keep in mind that anything that comes in contact with the skin may cause irritation.
When you first begin applying cosmetics, I recommend trying only one product at a time. Some people find they have developed new allergies, even to products they used regularly in the past.
If you have an acne-like rash, do not to use acne medications as that may cause even more irritation.
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Rashes Linked To Other Cancers
A rash may also be a sign of cancers that develop away from the skin, such as different forms of lymphoma.
Lymphoma is dangerous, as cancer cells circulate throughout the body. These cells may then grow in many organs or tissues at once.
In the sections below, we list some other types of cancer that may cause skin symptoms:
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Symptoms From Lymphoma In The Abdomen
Lymphomas that start or grow in the abdomen can cause swelling or pain in the abdomen. This could be from lymph nodes or organs such as the spleen or liver enlarging, but it can also be caused by the build-up of large amounts of fluid.
An enlarged spleen might press on the stomach, which can cause a loss of appetite and feeling full after only a small meal.
Lymphomas in the stomach or intestines can cause abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
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Skin Cancer Fatigue: What Can You Do
Im seeing a lot of young people with a skin cancer diagnosis. They have to overcome a drop in energy levels which can be hard to deal with. With melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, this is even worse.
When found early, melanoma can be treated but the fatigue associated with it will be tough.
Skin Cancer Support Groups And Counseling
Living with skin cancer presents many new challenges for you and for your family and friends. You will probably have many worries about how the cancer will affect you and your ability to “live a normal life,” that is, to care for your family and home, to hold your job, and to continue the friendships and activities you enjoy.
Many people with a skin cancer diagnosis feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful others feel helpless and defeated. For most people with skin cancer, talking about their feelings and concerns helps. Your friends and family members can be very supportive. They may be hesitant to offer support until they see how you are coping. Don’t wait for them to bring it up. If you want to talk about your concerns, let them know.
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Some people don’t want to “burden” their loved ones, or prefer talking about their concerns with a more neutral professional. A social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful. Your dermatologist or oncologist should be able to recommend someone.
Many people with cancer are profoundly helped by talking to other people who have cancer. Sharing your concerns with others who have been through the same thing can be remarkably reassuring. Support groups for people with cancer may be available through the medical center where you are receiving your treatment. The American Cancer Society also has information about support groups throughout the U.S.
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Symptoms On Black And Brown Skin
On dark skin, it may be easier to feel a lesion than see it. People with black skin may be more likely to find a lesion on a part of the body that has little exposure to the sun, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Skin cancer can affect people with any skin color, but those with brown or black skin are more likely to receive a diagnosis at a later stage. This may be due to a lack of awareness of how skin cancer appears on skin colors other than white.
Anyone who notices an unusual change in their skin should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The medical community has developed two ways to spot the early symptoms of melanoma. This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
A person can use the ABCDE method or the ugly duckling method.