What are the side effects of cancer pain treatment, and what can you do about them?

Each type of treatment has its own side effects.

• Surgery. Surgical removal of cancer can result in pain in the area of the surgery. Much of post-surgical pain is thought to be related to nerve injury that occurred during the surgery. People who have a limb or breast removed might feel pain as though the limb or breast is still present (phantom pain).
• Radiation therapy. These treatments can cause redness and a burning sensation of the skin. Depending on what part of the body the radiation is applied to, it can cause diarrhea, mouth sores or other problems, such as fatigue.
• Chemotherapy. Side effects can include nausea, fatigue, infection, hair loss and nerve pain (neuropathy). Medications can help ease these side effects. Relaxation techniques also might help.

• Strong pain medications. One of the common side effects of opioids is constipation. It can be treated with stool softeners and laxatives recommended by your doctor. Preventing constipation is easier than treating it, so before you start taking opioids ask your doctor what you should take to keep your bowels moving.

  Other side effects of strong pain medications include nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. These commonly occur with the first several doses and go away after a few days of taking the medication.

• Other pain medications. Common over-the-counter pain relievers might damage your kidneys, cause ulcers or increase your blood pressure. Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can cause liver damage if you take too much or drink alcohol while taking it.

Discuss the possible side effects of any medication with your doctor before taking it.