How to Reduce the Pain Caused by Throat Cancer

Throat cancer pain management techniques range from drug therapies to homemade remedies. Throat cancer can have painful symptoms such as soreness and burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal discomfort. Treatments like surgery and chemotherapy can also cause painful sores in the throat.

Instructions

1. Know that throat cancer can be painful. Most patients experience pain or discomfort in the throat during treatment. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of any suggested treatment and get information about drugs and therapy that can reduce pain and discomfort.

2. Eat soft, room-temperature foods. To reduce the pain associated with eating, throat cancer patients should avoid eating hot foods and foods that are difficult to chew and swallow. Stick to choices like bananas, mashed potatoes, applesauce and other easy-to-swallow foods.

3. Ask your doctor about opioid pain medications like methadone and oxycodone for treatment of severe throat pain. Opioids act on the nervous system to stop the neurons from transmitting pain signals to the brain.

4. Drink plenty of fluids. Liquids are important to keep the body hydrated, ensuring sores in the throat and mouth caused by cancer or treatment do not worsen.

5. Avoid highly acidic foods and pungent spices. Acidic foods and certain spices can aggravate your digestive system and your sensitive throat tissues. Steer clear of citrus fruits, tomatoes, pepper and pickled foods to reduce pain while eating.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor about clinical trials of pain medications and potentially less painful treatments like gene therapy. Your oncologist will tell you the risks and benefits of entering a clinical trial and may be able to help you find one in your area. You can also find one through the American Cancer Society Web site (see "Resources" below).

• Get support if you are experiencing emotional problems while dealing with the pain caused by throat cancer. It is common to feel depressed and scared when challenged by daily pain. Talk to a counselor about your feelings, or join a support group to get advice about reducing pain.

• Demand respect from your doctor when discussing pain associated with throat cancer and treatments. Doctors are required to understand their patients' levels of pain and to do everything they can to help alleviate it.