Cough
It is treated after finding out the cause. Cough caused by infection in a case of lung cancer is treated by giving appropriate antibiotic. Irritant cough without much phlegm is suppressed by a cough mixture containing Codeine or related compounds.
Urinary Incontinence
This distressing symptom is caused by a variety of causes. Urinary infections cause increased frequency and occasionally incontinence. Appropriate antibiotic is indicated.
Cancer in the pelvis, irritating or pressing on the bladder can cause increased frequency or incontinence. Radiation and/or chemotherapy may help.
If continence continues, then a catheter is passed through the urethra which drains the bladder into a container, without soiling the patient’s bed. Care is necessary to see that no infection enters the urethra and the urinary bladder.
Obstruction in the Bowel
Obstruction or blockage of the bowel is most often caused by cancer of the large bowel. It usually starts slowly with occasional attack just like colic pain in the abdomen. The pain is often accompanied by loud bowel sounds and swelling of the abdomen.
The symptoms of complete bowel obstruction are:
· Colicky abdominal pain
· Nausea
· Vomiting
Constipation may become so complete that even wind is not passed.
The following measures are suggested as part of the treatment:
· No food or drinks are taken by mouth.
· Fluids are given intraveneously.
· In case of severe vomiting, a tube is passed through the nose into the patient’s stomach and excess fluids sucked out.
In some cases, the obstruction settles down with this treatment. If it does not, then surgical operation is performed.
Collection of Fluid in the Abdomen (Ascites)
Sometimes cancer in the abdomen causes fluid to accumulate and this can lead to uncomfortable swelling and also difficulty in breathing.
A wide-bored needle or a plastic catheter is passed through the skin of the abdomen and fluid is drawn up into a syringe.
Sore Mouth
This may be due to drug reaction, vitamin deficiency, aphthous or small ulcers, fungal infections or bacterial infections.
Careful cleansing of the mouth is .very important. For fungal infections, anti-fungal lozenges are helpful. Miconazole (Daktarin gel) is used to rinse the mouth at least four times a day. Ketoconazole is also used.
For anti-cancer drugs producing sores in the mouth, die treatment is to keep the mouth hygienically clean.
Difficulty in Swallowing
Cancer in or near the oesophagus, i.e. the food pipe can cause difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia). Some cancers respond to treatment and pressure upon the oesophagus may be removed, but many of them don’t. In such a case, an operation is performed to insert a tube from the upper end through the cancer to the lower end.