Question

A client newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is admitted to begin treatment. Which pain descriptors can be associated with adenocarcinomas of the pancreas?

Answer 1

Answer: Throbbing, Sharp, Aching, Cramping, Tingling, Crawling

Explanation: Adenocarcinomas are types of cancers that start in mucus producing glands. The pancreas produces hormones and enzymes that help to digest food. About 85% of pancreatic cancers are caused by adenocarcinoma. These tumors starts in the ducts of the pancreas.

Pain is a symptom that can't be ruled out when we are talking about adenocarcinoma. The pain is usually as a result of the tumors pressing on the bones, nerves or other organs in the body. Since the pancreas is a soft tissue, damage to it may cause "throbbing", "sharp" or "cramping" pains. The tumor may also produce chemicals which may damage the nerves and cause "burning", "tingling", "crawling" pains. The tumorcould also press on the nerves causing tingling and burning pains.

Also, the pain could be as a result of nerve changes due to chemotherapy treatment. In this case, the pain descriptors could be "numbing" or "tingling". The pain at the site of injection could be referred to as "burning" as a result of the burning sensation one may feel.