Is Breast Cancer Treatment Painful?

 

A Breast cancer diagnosis might bring with it a flood of emotions, fear, uncertainty, and a lot of questions and confusion. The patient might wonder, what comes next in terms of treatment options and the scope of success associated with it. For many women, the thought of various treatment options might be a very overwhelming one. From Chemotherapy to radiation therapy, different treatment options come with their own set of advantages and challenges. One of the most important questions that might arise in a patient is whether the treatment is going to be painful or not. The truth, however, lies in the fact that the treatment for breast cancer is not similar for every patient. Some of the women might not experience much discomfort during the course of treatment, while others might face a certain degree of discomfort and side effects. Chemotherapy might cause nausea and vomiting, radiation therapy might cause skin irritation, and surgery might result in soreness. However, thanks to the modern advancements in the field of medicine and technology, managing the pain and discomfort associated with Breast cancer treatment has become extremely manageable, and there are various ways in which the comfort of patients can be ensured while providing the best treatment possible. In this article, we will discuss in detail the pain and discomfort that might accompany breast cancer treatment and the ways they can be reduced.

Does Breast Cancer Cause Pain?

Usually, pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer. However, there are certain exceptions to this, which occur in the form of cases in which large tumors are involved. Tumors near the surface of the skin and larger tumors, apply pressure on the surrounding tissue, which causes pain and discomfort. If a patient has not had any pain until the time they have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is quite possible that they might not feel any pain from the cancer itself, as the Breast cancer treatment progresses.

Does Breast Cancer Treatment Cause Pain?

While the cancer of the breast often does not cause pain, the treatment options for it might cause some pain and discomfort. However, the good news is that these side effects are easily manageable and temporary.  

1. Surgery – Breast cancer removal surgery can lead to some degree of pain and discomfort at the location of the tumor or the lymph nodes. However, this pain gradually heals as the incision gets resolved on its own.
2. Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy for breast cancer can cause mild pain and discomfort in the location where the treatment is given. The side effects might also include skin irritation. However, the side effects are often short-lived and get resolved within a few weeks after the completion of the treatment.
3. Chemotherapy – This Breast cancer therapy is more likely to cause nausea and vomiting as side effects in patients rather than pain. However, sometimes these side effects might include pain because of the soreness in  the mouth, skin rashes, or damage to the nerves.
4. Hormone Therapy – Headaches, muscle soreness and pain, and bone and joint pain can be caused as a side effect of hormone therapy. But these side effects do not occur in every patient who receives this treatment.

How is the pain managed?

As stated above, the pain associated with the different kinds of Breast cancer treatment in Mohali is temporary and can be easily managed through medications and other methods. It might surprise a patient to know that this pain can easily be managed through over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. If these easily available medications are not able to control or provide relief from the pain, there are certain stronger medications that the cancer specialist might advise to get over it. However, prescription pain medications might carry some risk of side effects and overdose. Hence, it is of utmost importance for a patient to discuss the medications they are going to take with their doctor and make sure it is okay for them to use it, before consuming. 

Thus, we now know that breast cancer is less likely to cause any kind of pain as compared to other forms of cancer. With timely diagnosis and early intervention, breast cancer can be successfully treated and the patients can lead a normal life after the treatment. 

If you are looking for the Best breast cancer hospital in Chandigarh or a Breast cancer doctor near me, Sohana Hospital might be the best option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali boasts of the world’s most advanced cutting-edge technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced Cancer Specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic cancer care with the most patient-centric approach. With your will and the expertise of the specialists, Cancer Can be Conquered!