UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Cancer Pain Program provides advanced therapies and compassionate care for patients with acute, chronic and breakthrough pain caused by cancer.

Our cancer pain specialists understand the physical debilitation and emotional stress that chronic pain causes and are sensitive to our patients’ needs. After a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, psychologists and anesthesiologists who specialize in pain management, a UT Southwestern cancer pain specialist thoroughly explains the patient’s treatment options.

Depending on the specific type of pain, specialists may prescribe steroidal or non-steroidal medication, physical therapy, exercise programs, pool therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or appropriate minimally invasive treatment. The program offers advanced minimally invasive therapies available such as:

• Epidural injections, in which medication is delivered into the epidural space in the spine, relieving pain.
  
  
• Intrathecal pump therapy, in which a pump and catheter (thin tube) are implanted in the patient's abdominal area and the system is used to deliver medication directly to the spinal fluid. Patients experience dramatic pain relief, as well as reduced side effects compared to taking oral pain medications.
  
  
• Selective nerve root blocks, in which an anti-inflammatory medication is injected to the affected nerve root, which provides significant pain relief.
  
  
• Spinal cord stimulation, in which a device is placed under the skin of patients with neuropathic pain. The device sends mild electrical currents to the spinal cord, enabling patients to experience a dramatic reduction in their pain.
  
  
• Sympathetic nerve root blocks, in which anesthetic agents are injected around the affected sympathetic nerves to provide pain relief and assess damage to the sympathetic nervous system.

UT Southwestern’s comprehensive medical resources enable patients to have an initial consultation, testing, follow-up visits and any needed medical procedures all in one location.