BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cancer, due to its nature, evolution and treatment, is given a special dimension for the huge impact on patients in physical, psychological, spiritual and social levels, in addition to affecting families and the community. Most feared symptom by patients and relatives is undoubtedly pain. Although in recent years there have been major advances in the treatment of pain, there are still gaps for a global treatment, such as irruptive pain. This study aimed at systematizing concepts and definitions of cancer-related pain, at understanding irruptive pain onset mechanism and the best ways to relieve it. CONTENTS: By reviewing the literature we have found the major barriers for adequately treating this pain and the most adequate ways to currently control it. CONCLUSION: Irruptive pain is spontaneous, idiopathic, not related to an established analgesic regimen or to body functions or movements.
Neoplasias; Pain; Palliative care; Therapy