The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic cancer-related pain ¦ ⸢23.04⸥
The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic cancer-related pain ¦ ⸢23.04⸥
The IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for ICD-11: Chronic Cancer-Related Pain
Background on Cancer-Related Pain
The prevalence of cancer is rising globally, and pain is a common symptom associated with cancer. Chronic cancer-related pain can be caused by the cancer itself or its treatment, leading to challenges in diagnosis and management. The ICD-10 lacks detailed codes to differentiate between acute and chronic cancer-related pain, hindering accurate epidemiological data and adequate treatment. Correctly identifying the source of pain is crucial for optimal pain control and tailored treatment plans.
Current treatment guidelines by organizations like the WHO provide broad recommendations but do not link treatment approaches to pain classification. Barriers to managing cancer-related pain exist, including undertreatment and lack of access to opioids. A new classification system is needed to address the complexity of chronic cancer-related pain and improve patient care.
The Need for a Classification System
The lack of a standardized taxonomy for the classification of cancer-related pain has prompted the development of the IASP Task Force to create a systematic and improved classification of chronic pain, excluding acute pain. Chronic pain is defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting more than 3 months. The task force acknowledges the challenges in applying the 3-month definition to pain from progressive cancer. The proposed taxonomy includes specifiers to record pain severity, time course, and psychosocial factors, aligning with recommendations for measuring cancer-related pain.
The IASP Task Force ICD Initiative
To address the classification of chronic pain, including chronic cancer-related pain, the IASP Task Force collaborated with WHO representatives to develop a new system. Chronic cancer-related pain is categorized based on pain caused by the cancer itself or its treatment. The classification aims to provide distinct categories for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, considering the complex nature of cancer-related pain syndromes.
