ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the management of pain in gynecological malignancy. It does not deal with the management of pain arising from surgical intervention, but with pain arising from the effects of the tumor and its treatment. Pain from gynecological malignancy is common. Over 60% of patients with ovarian cancer experienced pain before diagnosis or recurrence. Physical and social function is adversely affected, and pain is also associated with higher distress levels. Pain in patients may be caused by (1) direct effects of tumor, (2) treatment of cancer and cancer symptoms, e.g. radiotherapy-induced plexopathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and constipation secondary to opioid drug administration, (3) secondary problems from malignancy, e.g. muscle spasm and musculoskeletal problems after prolonged immobilization.
