Journal Mobile

Author(s): 
K Hauser, D Walsh
Journal Issue: 
Volume 38: Issue 4: 2008

Format

Abstract

 

The  goal  of  this  article  is  to  review  important  developments  in symptom  management,  drugs,  complications  and  communication  pertaining  to the  palliative  management  of  advanced  cancer.  Pain  and  fatigue  are  the  most common  symptoms  of  advanced  cancer.  Pain  is  often  well  controlled  with analgesics, although some cancer pain is more difficult to control. Risk factors for refractory pain include breakthrough and neuropathic pain, both of which will be discussed  in  this  review.  Methadone  and  gabapentin  both  have  a  role  in  the management of neuropathic pain and will be discussed in detail. Complications of advanced  cancer  amenable  to  medical  treatment  include  delirium  and  bowel obstruction. Good communication is paramount in the management of advanced cancer. The  issues  of  how  to  deliver  prognostic  information  and  hold  a  family conference will be covered by this review.

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