Common symptoms in advanced cancer.
The relief of physical and psychological symptoms is an essential part of palliative care. Advanced cancer is an acute process; because the clinical picture changes rapidly, symptoms must be reassessed regularly, and a careful history is essential. Defining the relationship of the symptoms to the disease can defuse fear and encourage a sense of control in patients and their families. We review the pathophysiology, causes, prevalence, consequence, and management of common symptoms in advanced cancer.
Komurcu
S
S
Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine and the Taussig Cancer Center, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Nelson
K A
KA
Walsh
D
D
Donnelly
S M
SM
Homsi
J
J
Abdullah
O
O
D018450:Disease Progression; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy