Clinical Definition
Breakthrough pain is a flare of pain that occurs in cancer patients even if they are taking pain reliever medication on a regular schedule as part of their cancer treatment. The term originates because it ”breaks through” the pain relief expected from the scheduled pain medicine. Breakthrough pain is very unpredictable, typically comes on quickly and can be very intense.
In Our Own Words
Pain in cancer patients can be caused by the disease itself or by treatments, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. To relieve it, patients often are prescribed pain relievers to take at regular times or around-the clock. However, breakthrough pain may affect cancer patients, despite the regularly scheduled pain medicines for the chronic pain. It is a flare of pain that can come on quickly and is aptly named because it ”breaks through” the pain relief patients expect from the routine intake of pain medicine.
Symptoms and Side Effects
- Sudden flare of pain
- Severe, intense pain
