The diagnosis of skin cancer can be an unnerving event, to say the least. The very mention of the name “cancer” sends shivers down our spine. However, the progress of medical science has made the situation way more manageable than it perhaps was even a few years back.
Once a biopsy has been performed and skin cancer has been diagnosed, common skin cancer surgery options suggested include Mohs treatment surgery and excisional surgery. Both these surgery options are best suited for early-stage cancers. Mohs surgery is considered to be the ideal solution for basal cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas are performed in areas that are cosmetically important like the exposed parts of the neck or the face and so no.
Excisional surgery is often prescribed as a treatment for basal cell carcinomas and melanomas in the early stages. One common concern however is whether these surgeries are painful and whether they cause any associated discomfort. We take a look here.
Are Cancer Surgeries Painful?
Generally, both, Mohs Treatment Surgery, as well as excisional surgery, are not extremely painful. The normal pain points associated with surgeries will prevail. However, there are some areas of the body like the area around the lips and nose, palms of hands, and soles of feet that are considered more sensitive. In case cancer has appeared in those areas, surgeries can be a tad bit more painful, especially while injecting local anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has been administered, the area becomes numb and there is no sensation of pain anymore.
Does the Stage of Cancer Determine how Painful the Treatment Will Be?
The stage or type of cancer does not have an impact on the intensity or the amount of pain that is experienced after the skin cancer surgery. However, these factors can determine the pain during the process of reconstruction. Flap surgery may be used for repairing the site of the wound. In cases where the cancer is more aggressive in form, a wider and deeper removal may be needed. In such cases, the pain associated with the reconstruction of the wound may be more intense.
Other Factors Affecting Pain Tolerance
There are other factors influencing the pain tolerance level including genetics, age, and sex. Women or young children for instance are often more sensitive to pain. The expectations of a patient and also the stress levels play a very important role. Like, patients who have developed a fear psychosis associated with the anticipation of pain can complain of more pain. In a nutshell, how a patient reacts to pain varies and it is difficult for a doctor to generalize.
Pain Management
Pain management post a surgical process can be controlled quite easily with non-narcotic painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. These will be part of the standard prescribed medication post-surgery. The dose of medication will depend on the intensity of pain experienced.
Cancer is curable when detected early. It is important to be vigilant about symptoms and conduct periodic health checkups regularly.
