Pain management in metastatic breast cancer

Pain – no matter how severe – can almost always be at least partly relieved through therapy. Well-coordinated pain management with regular adjustments is crucial for maintaining quality of life. It is one of the most important medical interventions used in metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer treatment targets not only the cancer cells, but also the related symptoms such as pain and any possible side effects of more aggressive treatments.
The symptoms caused by breast cancer will depend on various factors, including the size of the tumor and the rate at which it is growing. A growing tumor can cause pain if the cancer cells press against nearby nerves or damage healthy tissue. Large tumors may prevent organs from working properly if they grow into the chest wall or the skin. The location of metastatic tumors also influences the kind of symptoms they cause. For instance, if the lungs are affected, breathing may become difficult. Metastases in the bones can be painful and make the bones more fragile.