Managing pain associated with peritumour oedema and inflammation in palliative care

Corticosteroid therapy may reduce pain associated with peritumour oedema or inflammation by decreasing pressure on adjacent tissues (eg nerve plexus compression, liver capsule distension, obstruction of a hollow viscus). Seek oncology or haematology advice if a corticosteroid is considered because corticosteroids may interfere with some treatments and investigations.

For management of spinal cord compression and raised intracranial pressure, see Spinal cord compression in palliative care and Raised intracranial pressure in palliative care.