Description
Book SynopsisThe diagnosis of cancer inspires fear, in part because of the high mortality rate associated with most malignancies, and in part because of the perception that cancer is a painful disease. Recently compiled statistics tend to support patients'' fears. Pain is a major symptom in 70% of patients with advanced cancer [1]. Half of all patients undergoing anticancer therapy experience pain [2]. It has been estimated by members of the World Health Organization that 3. 5 million people worldwide suffer from cancer pain. One study of the severity of cancer pain estimates that pain is moderate to severe in 50% of cancer pain patients, very severe or excruciating in 30% [3]. An analysis of several reports of patients in developed countries estimates that 50-80% of patients had inadequate relief [2]. In underdeveloped countries, adequacy of treatment may be far lower because of lack of avai
Trade Review`This is an outstanding book ..., a valuable resource for health care professionals in clinical settings composed partially or totally of cancer patients. It proves indepth, clinically useful information about cancer pain treatment.
' Vivian R. Sheidler, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 82, No. 1, January 3, 1990.
Table of Contents1. Cancer Pain Mechanisms and Etiology.- 2. Oral and Parenteral Drug Therapy for Cancer Pain.- 3. Psychological Aspects of Pain Due to Cancer.- 4. Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy in the Management of Cancer Pain: Putting Patient, Prognosis, and Oncologic Options in Perspective.- 5. The Role of Non-Neurolytic Blocks in the Management of Cancer Pain.- 6. Intraspinal Narcotics for Intractable Cancer Pain.- 7. Application of Electrical Current to the Central Nervous System for Relief of Pain.- 8. Neurolytic Blocks for Cancer Pain.- 9. Ablative Neurosurgical Procedures in Pain Related to Malignancy.- 10. Medicolegal Hazards of Destructive Nerve Blocks.- 11. Hospice Care of the Cancer Pain Patient.
