Pain Center

The anxiety and fear a cancer diagnosis brings to patients and families is overwhelming.  Among the many questions you may have during this time are, “How will my physicians manage my pain?” and “How will I function if I am in pain?”

At Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, all of our treating physicians understand the importance of managing a cancer patient’s daily pain and discomfort.  =During  the past 10 years, advances have been made in treating possible side effects, such as  nausea, nerve pain and anxiety caused by cancer treatments.  Better pain management leads to an improved outlook, which aids the recovery process.

About the Pain Center
The Pain Center, led by Lee Ann Rhodes, MD, is a pain treatment center dedicated to controlling the pain experienced by cancer patients.  A combination of medicine, physical and holistic therapies, including acupuncture and Reiki massage, are prescribed for our patients by pain management specialists.

Conditions treated include:

• Peripheral neuropathies
• Post-mastectomy syndrome
• Post-thoracatomy syndrome
• Boney metastasis
• Peripheral nerve injuries
• Pain related to cancer treatment

Treatment options for these conditions include:

• Medical management (the use of pain medication)
• Physical therapy
• Nerve blocks
• Psychotherapy

Dr. Rhodes refers many patients to specialists for other forms of therapy.  These specialists may include:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Physical therapists
• Social workers
• Nutritionists

Referring Physicians
If you are a referring physician, please visit our Referring Physician page.

Contact Us:
Dr. Rhodes: 202-877-3442