For patients with cancer pain, our goal is to make their lives more comfortable and productive. We are experienced in treating patients with many types of cancer including bone, bowel, breast, lung, ovarian, prostate, and uterine.

 

In addition, we treat patients with other types of cancer pain, including post-surgical pain.

 

Depending on the diagnosis, we design individual treatment programs for cancer patients, mostly on an outpatient basis with a short recuperation period. Programs may include:

• Freezing or surgical procedures

   

• Implanted electrical stimulators

   

• Implanted medication pumps - surgically implanted pump is designed to deliver a controlled amount of medication through a catheter to a specific area in the body to relieve pain

   

• Nerve blocks - diagnostic and therapeutic - the interruption of a nerve's function by the injection of a local anesthetic agent or other drug

   

• Occupational therapy - teaches ways to continue daily activities, such as dressing and bathing, without increased pain

   

• Pain relief medications - administered in proper doses to allow continued function and social interactions

   

• Patient and family support groups - patients and their families share their experiences and feelings in an informal, supportive environment

   

• Physical therapy - can increase strength, flexibility and mobility while decreasing pain; includes heat, massage, and electrical stimulation

   

• Psychological evaluation and therapy

See the available treatments section in the Pain Management Center for a comprehensive description of further treatment options.