The diagnosis and treatment of the pain in oncological patients

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Klin Onkol 1994; 7(2): 45-50.

Summary:
The treatment of cancer pain is very important part of cancer treatment, because pain is present in approximately 20—50 % of patients with malignancies at the time of diagnosis, 33 % during the treatment of their disease, and 75—90 % in the advanced stages of their disease. There is ample date to demonstrate that cancer pain is under-treated throughout the world. Studies from World Health Organisation suggest that 85 % of patients with cancer pain can be well — palliated using oral opioids. A wide array of effective options exist for the remaining 15 % of patients. In the article is emphasize on the incidence, etiology, diagnosis, evaluation of pain intensity and treatment of cancer pain. Although drug therapy is the mainstay of cancer pain management, frequently multimodal, interdisciplinary approach may be more useful. Effective pain management has a profound impact on the quality of life, and may give the patient the opportunity to face death with dignity and reduced suffering.