The complex nature of pain in cancer should not deflect the carer from the need to assess the precipitating cause of each pain. This flow diagram describes the clinical decisions required in assessing pain, suggests likely causes and outlines treatment.
Regnard C., Comisky M.Nausea and vomiting in advanced cancer - a flow diagram. Palliative Medicine1992; 6: 146-51.
4.
Regnard C.Bowel obstruction in advanced cancer - a flow diagram. Palliative Medicine1988; 2: 131-33.
5.
McNamara P., Minton M., Twycross RGUse of midazolam in palliative care. Palliative Medicine1991; 5: 244-49.
6.
Cherry DA, Gourlay GKThe spinal administration of opioids in the treatment of acute and chronic pain: bolus doses, continuous infusion, intraventricular administration and implanted drug delivery systems. Palliative Medicine1987; 1: 89-106.
7.
Sjoberg M., Appelgren S., Einarsson S. et al. Long-term intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine in 'refractory' cancer pain. I. Results from the first series of 52 patients. Palliative Medicine1991; 35: 30-43.
8.
Ernst DS, MacDonald RN, Paterson Ahg et al. A double blind, cross-over trial of intravenous clodronate in metastatic bone pain. J Pain Symp Mang1992 ; 7: 4-11.
9.
Simons DG, Travell JGMyofascial pain syndromes. In: Wall PD, Melzack R eds. Textbook of pain, second edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1989.
10.
Thompson JW, Filshie J.TENS and acupuncture. In: Doyle D , Hanks G, MacDonald N eds. Oxford textbook of palliative medicine . Oxford : Oxford University Press , 1992 (in press).
11.
Twycross RG, Lack SASymptom control in far advanced cancer: pain relief. London : Pitman, 1983.
12.
Wall PD, Melzack R eds. Textbook of pain, second edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone , 1989.
13.
Bonica JJ ed. The management of pain, volumes I and II, second edition. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1990.