Pain and Inflammation of the Vein (Phlebitis)

Phlebitis is a condition in which a vein becomes inflamed and may lead to pain and swelling.

Most people will have their chemotherapy through a cannula. A cannula is a little plastic tube that is inserted into a vein in the arm or hand using a needle to guide it in. Phlebitis can be caused by the needle and cannula (mechanical), the chemotherapy (chemical) or infectious irritation (infective) at the site where the cannula is inserted and/or further along the arm.

Signs and Symptoms of Phlebitis

The area around the cannula or vein can be red, warm, swollen, and often painful.

The vein tends to feel hard, not soft like a normal vein. The vein may even feel like a “rope” with knots along its length.

The skin around the vein may be itchy and swollen.

The area may begin to throb or burn.

If an infection is present, the symptoms of phlebitis are often worse and may include, a high temperature (fever) and breakdown of the skin.

Possible Causes of Phlebitis

The needle and cannula placement can cause friction and subsequent inflammation within the vein.

The cannula tip is against the vein wall and causes irritation.

The chemotherapy fluid given through the needle can cause inflammation within the vein.

Different types of chemotherapy and the fluid that the chemotherapy is mixed in can increase the risk of developing chemical phlebitis.

The amount of chemotherapy and the length of time to administer it can increase the risk of developing chemical phlebitis.

Infection can be caused by bacteria entering the vein, usually from the skin surface.

The method of administering chemotherapy and how frequent it is given can increase the risk of infective phlebitis.

Tips for Relieving Symptoms of Phlebitis

A hot flannel (cloth) placed over the vein may ease the pain.

Hirudoid Cream (Heparinoid) may improve your symptoms.

Painkilling tablets such as Paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen may ease the pain. Check with your doctor or nurse specialist.

Anti-inflammatory creams or gels such as Ibuprofen gel tend to produce fewer side-effects than those taken by the mouth.

Please ensure you speak to your hospital team before using any creams or medications.