Cancer Pain

Surgery

Surgery is sometimes used to relieve cancer pain. Removing a tumor that is pressing on nerves, bones, or your spinal cord can help your pain. Surgery can also remove tumors that block the intestine and cause pain. The type of surgery that you may have depends on the type of cancer you have, which parts of your body are affected, and what treatments you have had before.

For more information, see:

Cancer: Controlling cancer pain.

What to think about

Although surgery to control pain does not cure cancer, it can help you feel more comfortable. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of surgery.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: October 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology
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