[Cancer-related bone pain in children]

Abstract

Pain often discloses the existence of bone tumors in children. The complex physiopathology of pain in malignant bone tumors remains largely unknown and is currently investigated. Cancer-related bone pain is independent from the type and the location of the tumor, and from the number and size of the malignant lesions. It does not necessarily increase with tumor growth. Pain, which is the most common early symptom of bone cancer, may also be present at every step of the disease. It may arise from postsurgery injury, side effects of chemo- or radiotherapy, tumor evolution, secondary sequels of treatments, phantom pain. Tumor eradication using cancer therapeutic strategies is the major etiological treatment option for bone cancer pain. Symptom control requires multidisciplinary medical management with drugs effective against bone lysis, analgesics, drugs with anti-neuropathic activity, as well as non-pharmacological techniques and psycho-social management. This psycho-social management must be tailored to the specific needs of teenagers who are particularly prone to this pathological manifestation. Measures to prevent the occurrence of residual chronic pain must be implemented, whereas children and their family should be clearly informed of the risks and of analgesic options available.