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 be provided by the treating Oncologist, or by a special team, working closely with your Oncologist, depending on the resources in your community.