Breakthrough pain is mostly common in cancer patients or patients with chronic problems. It is very difficult to diagnose breakthrough pain and physicians are still trying to figure out the actual cause of BTP. In BTP generally a person experiences intense pain for a short period of time and occurs without any prior intimation. People with constant pain syndrome have mostly experience breakthrough pain. This pain does not follow any pattern and occurs abruptly that is why it is called break through pain. BTP can be categorized into various types such as somatic, visceral, mixed or neuropathic. Several factors are considered in order to diagnose BTP. Some of the factors that are generally taken into consideration are the severity, type of pain, cause of pain and pattern. 

It is very important that the treatment is effective as the impact of BTP can be drastic on the quality of living of the patient. As the definition and diagnosis of breakthrough pain is still not determined, one has to be very alert when analyzing the pain. The professionals should have proper knowledge in order to avoid any wrong medication. Due to all this reasons, several physician and health care professionals overlook pain management and fail to recognize BTP in patients who have continuous pain.