Houston Mesothelioma Lawyers

Houston Mesothelioma Lawyers
Mesothelioma is a disease which the majority of Houston residents don't know about. Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer linked to asbestos. In recent years there has been a significant increase in cases regarding this disease, which has led to new lawyers specializing in mesothelioma lawsuits. As Houston is a major commercial hub in the US, it has many mesothelioma lawyers.
Mesothelioma is a disease which the majority of Houston residents don't know about. Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer linked to asbestos. In recent years there has been a significant increase in cases regarding this disease, which has led to new lawyers specializing in mesothelioma lawsuits. As Houston is a major commercial hub in the US, it has many mesothelioma lawyers.
Houston's mesothelioma lawyers and popular law firms mainly deal with mesothelioma victims and their families, who want to claim compensation from a firm where the victim was exposed to asbestos. It has been noticed that mesothelioma lawsuits can win millions in compensation for the victims and their families. According to Houston's law experts, if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma you have every right to file a lawsuit in the court. Nowadays there are numerous mesothelioma lawyers who are specialists in these cases and can get the maximum compensation for you. It is wise to contact a lawyer who has excelled in this field, and has a healthy knowledge about the disease and its related effects. Houston mesothelioma lawyers are clever enough to get the best judgment for you.
Do extensive market research to find the best mesothelioma lawyer in town, so that your case can be represented well. Provide him with all the information you have, so that he can prepare your case well in advance. Houston mesothelioma lawyers must present your case in a strong manner. It has been seen that Houston's mesothelioma lawyers also hire the investigators to get information about the firm where the victim was working. They can also help in getting the compensation to the family of the person who died due to mesothelioma, to help the family deal with its loss.
So if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or one of your family members died from this disease, then this is the time to hire a mesothelioma lawyer.


Article Source:
 http://ezinearticles.com/?Houston-Mesothelioma-Lawyers&id=202144

Mesothelioma-Experimental Treatments

Experimental Treatments

Several forms of mesothelioma treatment such as the drug Alimta®, gene therapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and multimodality therapy are still in their experimental stages. We invite you to read the following articles on experimental therapies for malignant mesothelioma.



Gene Therapy

Many strategies of gene therapy are currently under study. Even though the results in animal experiments have been remarkable they have remained disappointing in humans. Other agents such as onconase, thalidomide, lovastatin have been used as single therapy or in combination with chemotherapy with various results.

Immunotherapy

This therapy involves the removal of patient cells, activation by exposure to cytokines and reinstillatin into the peritoneum, accompanied by additional chemotherapy. In the few cases tried this form of treatment lead to significant shrinkage of the tumor. However most patients had very early stages of disease, and general recommendations are therefore difficult to make, prior to further research.

Photodynamic Therapy

This therapy involves the use of a drug that makes the cancer cells sensitive to a particular wavelength of light. The drug is administered before the surgical procedure. The results have been disappointing, and no survival benefit has been shown in studies so far.

Multimodality Therapy

Doctors are always learning more about the best way to treat patients with mesotheliomas. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma are highly debated. Treatments which use some combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, called multimodality therapy, are now being studied and may provide the most promising option for some patients.



Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/experimental/

Types of Mesothelioma

Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. There is a long time gap, sometimes even up to 30 years, between exposure to asbestos and the start of the disease. It is also very difficult to diagnose this disease because the symptoms are very similar to other benign diseases like pneumonia.

Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.

There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.

Pleural Mesothelioma:

Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.

The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.

Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.

Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:

A family that has a history of cancer i.e. hereditary risk factors.
A smoker seems to have a higher chance of contracting the disease as compared to a non-smoker, who has had the same level and amount of exposure to asbestos fibers.
Zeolite is a mineral which has properties very similar to asbestos and also seems to be as hazardous as asbestos.
Thorium dioxide used in x-rays is also a trigger factor for cancer.

Pericardial mesothelioma:

The most rare form of mesothelioma is the pericardial mesothelioma; it affects the mesothelium linings of the heart. The main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, palpitations, tiredness and cough. Like all other types of mesothelioma, there is no cure for this type also. The only thing that doctors can do is to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms and help the patients have a comfortable and peaceful death.

The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.

In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like

-Shipyard workers
-Asbestos industries' laborers and miners.
-Zeolite industries' laborers and miners.
-Construction site workers.
-Fire poof materials manufacturers
-Cement mixers
-Painters

Not only the above groups of people are having a high chance of contracting the disease but also their families run a risk of contracting this disease. The workers when they return home carry the asbestos dust and asbestos fibers in their clothing and their families may be exposed to the disease. The workers should take the following precautionary measures:

They should wear protective clothing to work.
They should change their dresses and wash up before they leave for home.
An expert should be hired to detect if there is any asbestos in the residence and nearby environment.

The writer is a research expert at a medical research firm. 

http://mesothelioma-attorney-losangeles.blogspot.com.es/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Archana_Sarat




Top 5 Signs Of A Great Mesothelioma Attorney

Top 5 Signs Of A Great Mesothelioma Attorney
Looking for the best attorney to represent you in any lawsuit is definitely bound to be a herculean task. However, its importance cannot be gainsaid. In terminal cases, you can be sure that the importance is even more enhanced. This is such a case for Mesothelioma. This fatal disease affects the most vital organs and therefore, it will mostly lead to death.

In this case, it would be important that the responsible parties be made to pay for the damages that are caused to your health. As you may know, mesothelioma is mainly brought about by exposure to asbestos. Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the membranes of the abdomen as well as lungs and the heart. This underlines the seriousness of the condition as well as the importance of getting compensated by the parties who are responsible for the exposure. These could be employers who never provided the appropriate protection when you were working with the asbestos or even the manufacturers.

Once you are diagnosed as having mesothelioma, it would be important that you gather as much information as possible in support of your claim. This definitely calls for an experience mesothelioma attorney. This however begs the question, what are the signs of a great Mesothelioma Attorney? The following are the questions that you should ask:

• Does the mesothelioma attorney have the relevant experience? This is especially as pertaining to being familiar with the cases and the issues pertaining to mesothelioma. However, prosecuting alone or filing a lawsuit should not be used to determine. The attorney should be in a position to show that they have actually won similar cases in which case you have enhanced chances of winning too.

• How much does the attorney charge? In most cases, attorneys will charge a percentage of the compensation benefits ranging between 33% and 40%. As much as you should be looking into saving on the cost, it would be important that you look at their cost relative to the quality of the services.

• Who does the attorney work with to ensure the success of the mesothelioma cases? As you will understand, mesothelioma is a serious and complex disease and therefore the attorneys need to partner with the experts in the field to enhance the chances of success through concrete medical evidence.

• Is the mesothelioma attorney easy to work with and trustworthy? As you would acknowledge, the stakes are high in mesothelioma cases due to the fact that your future and that of your family are in danger. In this case, you should be in a position to work with the attorney closely to win the case. This is only possible if they can be trusted. In this endeavor, the attorney should not make any decision on your case without consulting you.

• How soon can the mesothelioma attorney work on the case? The seriousness of the disease is underlined by the fact that the patient may not live for long after diagnosis. In this case, it is important that the attorney settle on the case as soon and fast as possible.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-5-Signs-Of-A-Great-Mesothelioma-Attorney&id=6436601

Asbestos Exposure Cancer and Mesothelioma

Asbestos Exposure
Long considered a miracle material, asbestos boasts excellent fire and heat resistant properties. This naturally occurring mineral, now known to be a human carcinogen, has a history that dates back to ancient Greece. Asbestos was used as a building material, even as far back as during the Roman Empire, and was also used to in fabric that would be used in clothing and a variety of other textiles.

During the Industrial Revolution, asbestos found new uses in factories and other heavy industries throughout the United States and abroad. Asbestos found use not only in factories, but also in oil refineries, chemical plants, on railroad cars, and in shipyards. Asbestos materials were used to insulate pipes and boilers in steam locomotives, to line tanks and ovens in refineries, and could be found literally everywhere aboard the nation’s ships, from engine rooms to galleys. As the twentieth century progressed, more uses for asbestos were found. It was used in the brakes and clutches of automobiles, insulated America’s new skyscrapers, and was used extensively in the construction industry, where it was used in asbestos products like joint compounds, cements, roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, siding, stucco, plaster, and much more. Those workers at risk included any that worked in an asbestos-heavy industry or frequently handled these products.

By the middle of the twentieth century, it became apparent that asbestos was causing health problems. Asbestos exposure is now known to cause mesothelioma. This asbestos related cancer can occur when asbestos is inhaled the microscopic fibers lodge within the outer lung tissue layer known as the mesothelium. This thin layer of cells protects and lubricates the chest cavity. Asbestos causes a sustained inflammation of these cells causing harmful scar tissue to form on the surface. This scar tissue lays the foundation for cancerous cells to develop.

Despite knowledge of the health risk it posed, records have shown that many companies who used asbestos in their facilities knew that the material was dangerous yet continued to allow its use. Eventually, stories of sick employees became commonplace, causing the American government to consider imposing laws about regulating use of asbestos.

If you worked at a jobsite where asbestos or asbestos containing products were used, you may be at risk to develop mesothelioma.

Exposure usually occurred at major construction jobsites, in shipyards, onboard navy vessels and during construction or renovation of commercial buildings. People working in the vicinity of boilers and insulated piping often are at risk. In addition, teachers, students, and other staff members who work in older school buildings may be at risk of exposure to asbestos products, such as ceiling or floor tiles. Equally at risk are families of these workers, as asbestos often was carried home on clothing.


Military Exposure


Asbestos was used across all branches of the military for many years. Navy veterans were exposed to high levels of asbestos while serving on ships (aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, battleships, warships, etc.) in the naval fleet as well as in naval shipyards across the country. Army veterans were exposed to asbestos in buildings on military installations and while working on military vehicles. Air Force veterans were exposed while working with military aircraft. Marine Corps veterans that spent time at sea aboard Navy ships were exposed to asbestos. All veterans exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.


Commercial and Industrial Exposure


Many workers and maintenance contractors at industrial and commercial job sites were subjected to dangerous levels of asbestos on the job. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. The types of jobsites where asbestos exposure occurred include oil refineries, power plants, steel mills and chemical plants to name a few. They all have “high heat” environments where the use of fire and heat resistant materials was required, be it in the construction of the plants or machinery or in the protective clothing that workers were required to wear in designated areas (i.e. fire-proof gloves and aprons). Today, even though the use of asbestos has been banned in the United States, many existing industrial and commercial structures may still contain a certain level of asbestos. It is important that appropriate safety precautions be taken, where necessary, to prevent harmful exposure and to mitigate the risk of developing mesothelioma.


Commercial Product Exposure


Do-it-yourself home renovation enthusiasts, as well as those who worked in the construction trade, may have been exposed to asbestos while working with popular building and construction products. Many of these products were made with asbestos through the late 1970’s as the projects they were to be used in required that they be heat and fire resistant. They included insulation, roofing material, siding, joint compound, ceiling tiles, flooring and more. Unfortunately when any of these products were cut, sawed filed, or sanded, asbestos fibers were released into the air. In the majority of cases, those working with the products did not use appropriate safety precautions because asbestos companies withheld information about the health hazards of asbestos for many years. Today, as a result, construction workers and do-it-yourselfers are at risk for developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.


Second Hand Exposure


Direct, on-the-job asbestos exposure did not affect American workers alone. Their family members were also at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease as a result of second hand asbestos exposure. This type of exposure occurred when workers brought asbestos fibers home on their hair, clothing or shoes at the end of the work day. Those responsible for laundering their work clothes, day in and day out, were most commonly affected, but even small children who spent time with their parent before they had a chance to “clean up” from work were unknowingly placed at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.

Source: http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/

Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural - Early Signs, Detection, and Treatments

Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural
People who develop Mesothelioma in pleura worked in an atmosphere, which induced them to inhale asbestos particles. Sometimes, people who inhale asbestos dust and fiber in some other ways, like washing the clothes of the person who worked in the asbestos factory may also develop this disease.

Malignant Mesothelioma pleural may show symptoms in the initial stage. Shortness of breath, pain in the chest wall, pleural effusion, abdominal swelling and weight loss are some of the common symptoms of this disease. Sometimes, blood clotting abnormalities, fatigue, wheezing, coughing up blood and anemia may also persist.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma in pleura is often difficult, as the symptoms can be linked to some other conditions. The physician analyses the medical history of the patient and identifies this disease. Generally, patients who have the history of exposure to asbestos are under the clinical suspicion for Malignant Mesothelioma in Pleura.

The physician examines the patient thoroughly to diagnose Mesothelioma. They may also perform chest x-rays as well as other tests of the lungs. The chest x-ray can clearly show the pleural thickening, which happens due to continuous exposure to asbestos. A CT scan is also performed to detect this disease. Sometimes, cytology can be useful in detecting the abnormal cells. If the result of cytology is positive, a biopsy is the required to confirm Malignant Mesothelioma pleural.

Screening tests for people who have been exposed to asbestos for a long period, may diagnose Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural in the premature stage. This helps to improve the rate of survival for the patients. Some physicians use Mesomark Assay, which is an in vitro test used to diagnose Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is classified as early and advanced stage for the purpose of treatment. If the cancer is found only on the membrane surface in which it was originated, it is then referred to as the early stage. In advanced stage, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body beyond the membrane surface.

The early stages of Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural can be treated using conventional therapies like radiation or chemotherapy. The combination of radiation and chemotherapy has proved to be successful in treating 74.6% patients.

Radiation treatment is given to the patients who can tolerate a radical surgery. However, in most cases, radiation is given as a consolidate treatment, in combination with chemotherapy. It is proved that delivering radiation and chemotherapy can extend the life span of the patients for more than five years.

Chemotherapy is the most successful treatment to Malignant Mesothelioma pleural. Cisplatin chemotherapy in combination with raltitrexed, which is an antimetabolite drug can also be an option. Sometimes, cisplatin may cause certain side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The Food and Drugs Administration in the United States approved conventional therapies like surgery in combination with radiation for early stage Mesothelioma and surgery in combination with chemotherapy for advanced stages.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Malignant-Mesothelioma-Pleural---Early-Signs,-Detection,-and-Treatments&id=2240227


Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment Options
There are many options for treatment upon receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, may be the very first options that a physician will recommend. These, however, are not the only options, and many individuals suffering from mesothelioma choose to couple the traditional forms of mesothelioma treatment with alternative options.
Alternative treatments that may benefit individuals who suffer from asbestos cancer include:



Acupuncture

Acupuncture is often used as a palliative therapy, involving the insertion of very narrow needles into the skin at specific pressure points. This has been proven to relieve pain in many individuals suffering from a wide variety of ailments, including mesothelioma.

Aromatherapy

This method of therapy involves the use of aromatic oils, plants, and other substances to be used in conjunction with massage and or baths. These fragrances can result in a heightened mood, which can promote good health and pain relief.

Art Therapy

Art therapy is an alternative therapy than can help cancer patients deal with the physical and emotional challenges that they often experience during treatment.

Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback, also known as mind-body therapy, can help individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma manage the pain that is often associated with the disease.

Bowenwork

Bowenwork can help elicit the relaxation response in mesothelioma cancer patients to help lessen the side effects associated with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is an alternative therapy used to help mesothelioma cancer patients manage pain while going through conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is an alternative treatment that can help manage pain and the side effects of more conventional treatments for mesothelioma.

Dance Therapy

Dance therapy is an expressive method of treatment that helps patients connect with the emotional issues that exist when dealing with a serious illness like mesothelioma cancer.

Emotional Freedom Technique

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is used as a complementary therapy to other conventional mesothelioma cancer treatments to help relieve pain and anxiety in patients.

Feng Shui

The Chinese practice of Feng Shui recommends making changes to a cancer patient's environment to enhance the flow of Qi. This complementary therapy can support mesothelioma cancer patients throughout their mesothelioma treatment.

Healing and Therapeutic Touch Therapy

Healing Touch Therapy is an emerging therapy that is becoming more widely used by patients battling cancer like mesothelioma. This therapy invokes the relaxation response in patients and can help lessen the negative side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments.

Health Coaching

Health Coaching can help mesothelioma patients enjoy better quality of life, lessen pain and stress and make important lifestyle changes that can help speed up recovery from their cancer treatment.

Herbal & Nutritional Supplements

Many natural herbs have natural medicinal aspects which have been used to treat seemingly incurable ailments. Many times, nutritional Supplements work in conjunction with herbal remedies to provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to fight off infection and other illness.

Homeopathy

Many cancer patients, including those battling malignant mesothelioma, have turned to homeopathy because it is a natural alternative to aggressive conventional cancer treatment drugs and can help manage the adverse side effects associated with them.

Hypnotherapy

Guided hypnosis sessions can have substantial positive effect on a patient undergoing treatment for cancer, including mesothelioma. For this reason, hypnosis is now being increasingly integrated into alternative cancer treatment regimens.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is a complementary therapy that some cancer patients find helpful to throughout the course of their conventional treatment to help reduce pain, stress and anxiety.

Lymph Drainage Therapy

Manual lymph drainage therapy is a technique that uses very gentle manipulation to help reduce swelling in the body after surgery or radiation treatment in mesothelioma cancer patients.

Massage

Massage therapy is the practice of hands-on physical manipulation of the body's soft tissue. Massage can be both relaxing and pain-relieving. Massage methods include Acupressure, Anma, and Balinese, all of which have differing effects on the body. Massage is often used during treatments for certain health conditions, like cancer, to ease muscle tension and induce relaxation.

Meditation

Meditation is the process of moving into deep relaxation. It is therapeutic in the sense that it can help patients develop a calm mind to make sound decisions and be at peace with health conditions they may have, including cancer like mesothelioma.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is a complementary therapy than can help alleviate the uncomfortable side effects of cancer treatment as well as help reduce both chronic and acute pain.

Myofascial Therapy

Myofascial therapy can be used by cancer patients, including those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, to help manage the pain that sometimes accompanies traditional cancer treatment.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is an alternative paradigm of medicine that focuses on nature's remedy and the body's intrinsic ability to heal itself. Naturopathy favors a holistic approach to treating illnesses like mesothelioma through the use of mineral, diet, and lifestyle-based remedies.

Nutritional Resources

Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can prove to be an important factor in the treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a complementary therapy that mesothelioma cancer patients find helpful for reducing stress, fatigue and some of the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy.

Personal Fitness and Training

Maintaining some level of movement can be a tremendous help to cancer patients undergoing treatment and can lead to improved outlook and quality of life. There are personal fitness trainers that are specifically trained to provide this type of support to cancer patients.

Pet Therapy

Pet Therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, utilizes dogs and other animals as a soothing and relaxing modality for patients battling mesothelioma and other cancer.

Reflexology

Foot reflexology is an alternative treatment therapy designed to help mesothelioma cancer patients manage pain.

Reiki

Reiki promotes a deep sense of relaxation and well-being and is an alternative therapy that many mesothelioma cancer patients are now using as part of their overall treatment plan.

Sound Therapy

Some cancer patients welcome the use of more non-invasive therapies, like sound therapy, that can help alleviate the stress and pain that is often associated with more traditional forms of cancer treatment.

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation is used as a palliative care option. An electrical stimulation is directed through different areas of the body resulting in pain relief which can increase the level of endorphins. TENS Therapy is typically administered by a physical therapist, but can also be done at home if a patient has the necessary documentation for TENS equipment.

Thermography

Thermography, which is a type of medical imaging, can help detect problems in the body, like mesothelioma cancer, and can also aid in monitoring the healing process.

Yoga

Yoga is a combination of meditation and movement. Yoga is of Hindu origin and is designed to promote a heightened sense of oneness between body and mind, inducing relaxation and contentment.

Why should I consider alternative treatment?

When paired with traditional treatment methods, alternative options can be an important component of a mesothelioma treatment plan. These alternative methods are most helpful in controlling pain and maintaining balance and peace within an individual's mind and body. Many patients find treatments, such as massage or meditation, to be a welcome distraction from the ongoing cycle of hospital visits, medication, and general stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.

It is very important to consult with your physician before pursuing any new form of treatment. A doctor will be able to determine whether or not a patient is healthy enough to incorporate alternative treatment practices into their already-established treatment plan.

Source: http://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/alternative/

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