[Cancer-related pain]

Abstract

Cancer-related pain affects approximately 90% of those in all stages of the disease. Pain is both a sensation and an emotional experience, and thus it has been defined as total pain. The type of cancer pain management decided upon depends on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, which are classified as nociceptive(somatic and visceral), neuropathic, and idiopathic. Pain management as part of routine cancer care has been forcefully advanced by the World Health Organization( WHO)-analgesic ladder. The clinical application of pain management should be employed only after a complete and comprehensive assessment and evaluation. The present overview article focuses on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids and adjuvant analgesia.