Symptomatic treatments
These are treatments aimed at relieving symptoms caused by the cancer itself or by its treatment and include:
- Painkillers/analgesia – from Paracetamol to Morphine, anticonvulsants and anti-depressants are also used successfully to treat pain.
- Anti-emetics – anti-sickness medication.
- Biphosphonates – interfere with bone metabolism and reduce the growth of bony metastases and the pain and potential fractures associated with these.
- Antidepressants – may also be used for pain control.
- Anticonvulsants– may also be used for pain control.
- Steroids – may be used for pain control, to reduce swelling and improve feeling of well being.
- Radiotherapy – good at relieving local pain from cancerous growths and is used in palliative care as well as during curative treatment.
- Stenting – this means inserting a tube to open up a narrowing in a blocked tube within the body and prevent total blockage.
- Physiotherapy – to assess and provide treatment for symptoms such as pain, reduced mobility, shortness of breath, oedema including lymphoedema and management of chest secretions.
- Occupational therapy – to assess and provide equipment and teach techniques to enable clients and their carers to cope with the disabling effects of their condition and its treatment.
- Counselling.
