Analysis of cancer pain by the neurologist

Pain intensity and the importance of pain for the cancer patient depend on a variety of individual factors and show considerable divergence (Bonica and Ventafridda 1979). They are greatly influenced by the enigma of the cancer disease as well as the consequential psychiatric problems (Frey 1980). An effective neurological analysis of the cancer pain, although demanding for the physician, is important for further specific diagnostic procedures and for the indication of appropriate therapy. Sometimes thorough neurological examination can lead to the first diagnosis of the carcinoma; when there is already evidence of metastases, the unfavorable prognosis can be made at the same time.