- Docente: Marco Cesare Maltoni
- Credits: 1
- SSD: MEDS-09/A
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Medicine and Surgery (cod. 5904)
-
from Oct 08, 2026 to Oct 29, 2026
Learning outcomes
The course provides the basic elements for diagnosing pain in oncology in all its forms, whether acute or chronic, across all age groups. The discussion of cancer pain, being an important symptom and its treatment a complex need for cancer patients, will be integrated with the teaching of palliative care. The course offers the tools to recognize the triggers of pain, understand the differential diagnosis, and grasp the principles of treatment. It also provides the basics for effective communication with the patient and family about the pain, the effectiveness of therapy, and the risks and complications of the treatment itself.
Course contents
The course aims to provide students with knowledge about:
- Epidemiology of cancer pain;
- Pathophysiology of cancer pain;
- Methods and tools for evaluation;
- The peculiarities of cancer pain;
- Therapy elements: etiopathogenetic and symptomatic. Pain-relieving drugs and an overview of non-drug treatments. Pain-relieving drugs: opioids. Adjuvant drugs: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, glucocorticoids. NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, radiotherapy, cannabinoids.
- Difficult cancer pain.
Readings/Bibliography
Testi/Bibliografia
Lezioni frontali e diapositive power point
Libro Italiano Medicina e Cure Palliative. Poletto, Milano, 2024
Teaching methods
Lezioni frontali interattive
Discussioni di casi clinici
Assessment methods
Quiz a scelta multipla nell'ambito del modulo d'esame.
Teaching tools
Power point
Casi clinici esemplificativi
Office hours
See the website of Marco Cesare Maltoni