Will advanced rectal cancer cause pain?

Is rectal cancer painful?

Advanced rectal cancer will have pain symptoms, mainly due to abdominal distension, abdominal pain or nerve pain caused by tumor obstruction caused by tumor compression. At the same time, the metabolites and necrotic tissue of cancer cells will stimulate the human body and cause pain reactions. While the patient is in physical pain, he will also experience symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and depression. The latter will further aggravate the pain, forming a vicious circle and seriously reducing the patient's quality of life. According to the three-step cancer analgesia method recommended by the World Health Organization, symptomatic treatment of pain symptoms is recommended.

The first step is mild pain, and non-opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used with or without auxiliary analgesics. Commonly used drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and indomethacin.

The second step is moderate pain, weak opioids are added or subtracted with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and auxiliary analgesics. Commonly used drugs include codeine, chlorpromazine, tramadol, etc.

For the third-level severe pain, opioids are given with or without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and auxiliary analgesics, and morphine is commonly used. For the treatment of pain, active preventive drugs should be taken. Analgesics should be given regularly and in a timely manner, rather than when necessary. The next drug should be given for continuous analgesia before the effect of the previous drug disappears.