Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that attacks the mesothelium linings in the body. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, although it can take from 15 to over 30 years for your cancer to appear. However, once it begins, mesothelioma spreads quickly. This makes it difficult for doctors to detect and fight mesothelioma. In most cases, doctors simply help patients manage their pain as much as possible.
This cancer only has a 40% survival rate after one year and a 10% survival rate after 5 years. Thus, doctors will often try methods to extend patients' lifespans without completely curing the disease. Typically, this includes surgery and other methods to decrease the pain of the cancer.
First, the official term for treating the symptoms and pain caused by a disease is palliative care. With palliative care, doctors do all they can to make you as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. Some methods of palliative care are more intense than others. For instance, you may undergo surgery to remove the worst of your tumors, especially the ones that are causing pain.
Next, another popular method to manage mesothelioma pain is draining the fluid that accumulates as a result of the cancer. Mesothelioma attacks the mesothelium, or the special cells lining the internal organs and body cavities. The mesothelium is responsible for producing a lubricating liquid to help prevent chafing. If you develop mesothelioma, though, it can speed the production of liquid, essentially drowning you in your own lubricating fluid. Doctors can drain the fluid in order to keep the painful pressure from building in your chest and abdomen.
Lastly, many people turn to alternative therapy to manage their pain. This may mean practicing things like yoga or tai chi to feel more balanced or centered, helping you push the pain from your mind. Some people also choose to use natural or herbal dietary supplements to help with cancer side effects like nausea.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are facing a difficult road ahead. However, by managing your pain, you can enjoy the rest of your life without being crippled by mesothelioma symptoms. To discuss your treatment options, please visit the informative Mesothelioma Resource Center today.
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