What is Palliative therapy?
It is the treatment of symptoms.
Tumors cause symptoms by their physical presence. They occupy space that is not meant for them.
They cause
- Pressure on nerves, leading to pain or numbness
- Obstruction of surrounding organs, e.g.
- o The stomach, not giving it adequate room for expansion to accommodate meals
- o The colon, causing constipation
- o The lung, impeding breathing
- o The urinary tract, causing kidney problems
- o The bile duct, causing jaundice and liver problems
- o The brain, causing headache
- Weight loss and debility
- Depression and inability to function
- Inability to work
In addition to treating the Cancer, Palliative Care helps to take care of these symptoms with
- Pain management with medicines, nerve blocks, intravenous or subcutaneous drips
- Bowel management, sometimes requiring a combination of stool softeners and laxatives
- Nutritional support with booster drinks, and medicines to stimulate appetite
- Breathing support with oxygen, suction of secretions, nebulizer treatments
Psychosocial support with counseling, family meetings and antidepressants
This management can by provided by the treating Oncologist, or by a special team, working closely with your Oncologist, depending on the resources in your community.