Cancer Related Breakthrough Pain

Malignant episodic (or "breakthrough") pain is a common feature of cancer pain that can have a negative impact on quality of life for both the patient and carer. It is characterized by a periodic increase in pain over background cancer pain and can be both severe in intensity and rapid in onset. Some patients who experience breakthrough pain are unresponsive to treatment and can pose a clinical challenge for physicians. Part of the "Oxford Pain Management Library", this concise pocketbook provides a practical, evidence-based approach to the management of cancer-related breakthrough pain, and acts as an invaluable introduction for trainees and nurses, as well as a handy ready-reference for general physicians. This book provides comprehensive coverage of current treatment options, including chapters on the general principles of management, oral transmucosal opioids, opioids delivered by other routes, and other agents (nitrous oxide, sedative agents).