TL;DR Quick answer
Specialist help for pain caused by cancer or its treatment, alongside the oncology team. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as coeliac plexus block and superior hypogastric plexus block.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About cancer pain
Pain can result from the cancer itself or from surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A pain specialist works with the treating oncology team to improve comfort and function.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Persistent or breakthrough pain; nerve pain after treatment; bone pain |
| Common causes | Tumour pressing on nerves, bone or organs; effects of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | Contact your treating team urgently for new severe pain, new weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control |
| Treatment options | Coeliac Plexus Block, Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Persistent or breakthrough pain
- Nerve pain after treatment
- Bone pain
- Pain that disturbs sleep or daily life
Causes
- Tumour pressing on nerves, bone or organs
- Effects of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
Contact your treating team urgently for new severe pain, new weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coeliac Plexus Block | Procedure | A nerve block for severe upper abdominal pain, most often from pancreatic or other cancers. | 30–60 minutes |
| Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block | Procedure | A nerve block for persistent pelvic pain, including pain from pelvic cancers. | 30–45 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
