Use of EMLA as an adjunct for burning pain associated with a liposarcoma

Abstract

Objective. To report the successful use of EMLA cream (a topical anesthetic) for the relief of neuro pathic pain in a patient with a liposarcoma.

Case Summary. A 63-year-old male with a lipo sarcoma was admitted to the hospital to establish an effective pain control regimen. Despite the use of high-dose hydromorphone, dexamethasone, and in domethacin, he still complained of a burning sensa tion in the skin over the tumor site. EMLA—applied regularly every 8 hours, was started, and within 24 hours the patient reported relief from this pain.

Discussion. While there is some experience with the use of systemically administered anesthetics for the control of neuropathic pain in cancer patients, there is little reported experience of the use of topical anesthetics. EMLA has, however, been successfully used for postherpetic neuralgia. Adverse reactions from its use for reducing the pain of venipuncture are usually mild and transient, and repeated use does not appear to increase the risk of toxicity. In this case, the patient's pain was well-controlled without any observ able adverse reactions.

Summary. This patient experienced relief of burning pain when EMLA was added to his treatment regimen. EMLA cream could be considered as a treatment option for cancer patients experiencing neuropathic pain, but the patients most likely to benefit and the optimal treatment regimen have yet to be determined by a prospective study.