Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Health Hive logo
  1. Topics
    • COVID-19
    • Primary Care
    • Parents & Kids
    • Women's Health
    • Cancer Care
    • Brain & Spine
    • Surgery
    • Bone & Joint
    • View All Topics
  2. Patient Stories
  3. News
  4. About
Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Cancer
  1. Controlling Cancer-related Pain

Controlling Cancer-related Pain

Pain is one of the most common side effects of cancer, but it is treatable. How can your care team help to control your cancer-related pain? Dr. Kalia explains.

Mar. 10, 2021 • 2   min read

thumbnail image

If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, you know that there are often side effects like nausea, hair loss and pain, which affects 50 percent of cancer patients.

Dr. Hemant Kalia, a pain management specialist in the Rochester Regional Health Spine and Pain Center and Lipson Cancer Institute Cancer Pain Program, describes how our teams work together to help control patients’ cancer pain so that they can participate in the things they love.

What causes cancer pain?

Pain can develop for a number of reasons when you have cancer. Sometimes the pain is caused by your treatment, like chemotherapy or cancer surgery. Other times, it’s caused by a tumor pressing against your organs, nerves or bones.

“Cancer pain is complex,” said Dr. Kalia. “It can change over time, depending on the stage of the disease and method of treatment, so we routinely assess the pain to ensure it’s being appropriately diagnosed and managed effectively. Information such as the location of your pain, its severity, its impact on you and what your future goals are helps us develop a plan to get your pain under control.”

New and innovative ways to control pain

Over the past decade, we’ve learned more about how pain starts and ways to control it.

“Finding new ways to treat chronic, disease-related pain has become a significant priority in light of the opioid epidemic across the country,” said Dr. Kalia. “Advancements in precision medicine allow us to specifically isolate the source of the pain and focus our treatments and therapies right at the source.”

Innovative ways that our team is using technology to treat pain include:

Radiofrequency Ablation

This therapy allows us to target specific nerves or lesions using radiofrequency (heat waves) and destroy them to provide more precise, effective and durable pain control, with fewer side effects.

Neuro-modulation

During a quick, 15-20 minute procedure, a pain specialist places a tiny wire with electrodes around the spinal cord or nerves to block the pain signals that are originating from the cancer site without using any medication.

Chemical neurolysis

This treatment method uses chemicals to destroy the nerve and eliminate the pain signal. Our team uses x-ray or ultrasound guidance and tiny needles to access nerves, destroy them and alleviate symptoms.

Patient-controlled intrathecal analgesia

During this procedure, the physician inserts a catheter directly into the patient’s spinal canal and connects it to a pump, which the patient can then use to administer the medication when he or she feels pain. The medication goes directly to the source of pain, rather than through the patient’s entire body, avoiding the potential for addiction and side effects.

How your care team helps

Your care team will work with specialists across the health system to not only help manage your pain, but the impact your pain has had on your life and your mental health.

“What we offer is a comprehensive approach to cancer pain management. We work closely with our psychology, physical and occupational therapy, social work, palliative medicine, oncology and surgeon colleagues to develop a plan that’s centered around you, the patient,” said Dr. Kalia.

 

NEXT STEPS Lipson Cancer Institute Pain Program

Since each person’s cancer pain is unique, pain management requires an individualized plan of treatment. The goal of Rochester Regional Health’s Cancer Pain & Rehabilitation Program is to improve each patient’s quality of life, minimize pain, and effectively manage side effects from cancer treatment.

Learn More
cancer icon
ProviderPromo
Hemant Kalia, MD, MPH
Pain Management
View Profile
Recent Articles
Health Hive
Men’s Health Screenings at Every Age

Taking care of our bodies and minds is important at every age. During Men’s Health Month, we break down the recommended health screenings for men across all age groups.

Patient Stories
Rob Pinson's Story

Over the course of a few months, Rob Pinson went from relatively healthy to undergoing cancer treatment. The staff at the Lipson Cancer Institute were there for him every step of the way.

Neurology
Risk Factors for Stroke in Women

Strokes are among the top 3 causes of death for women in the United States. If you know the risks, you have a better chance at reducing or preventing your risk of stroke.

Parents & Kids
Hepatitis in Children: What Parents Should Know

An unusual surge in severe hepatitis cases in children is leading pediatricians to be on the lookout for symptoms in their patients. Steven Schulz, MD, explains the disease and what to look for.

Get Email Updates

Sign up for our Health Hive newsletter to receive our top stories and tips to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Thanks! We've added you to our Health Hive newsletter
Enhancing Lives. Preserving Health.
Contact Us

Your Care

  • Closings & Cancellationss
  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Billing & Insurance
  • Classes & Events
  • Health Hive - News Hub
  • Our Services
  • Closings & Cancellations

Company

  • Careers
  • About Us
  • ACM Global Laboratories
  • Contact Us
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • ElderONE
  • Volunteer
  • GRIPA
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Quality and Safety
  • Sustainability

Resources

  • Workday
  • Employees
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Make a Gift
  • Medical Education & Research
  • MyCare
  • Sponsorships
Rochester Regional Health Logo
© 2022 Rochester Regional Health. All Rights Reserved.
  • Non Discrimination
  • Disclaimer
  • Language Assistance
  • Privacy Policy