The Neurobiology of Cancer Pain

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2015 Dec;73(12 Suppl):S132-5. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2015.04.045.

Abstract

Oral cancers are often severely painful and clinically difficult to manage. Few researchers have investigated the neurobiologic factors responsible for cancer pain; however, the study of oral cancer pain might inform us about the fundamental biology of cancer. The purpose of the present report was to summarize the clinical challenges inherent in oral cancer pain management, oral cancer pain mechanisms and mediators, and the convergence of the investigation of carcinogenesis and pain.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Mouth Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Neurobiology
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Nociceptors / physiology
  • Pain / physiopathology*
  • Pain Management / methods