Mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer that develops in a patient’s mesothelium, which is a scientific term for the membrane surrounding his or her organs. While the prognosis for patients diagnosed with this disease varies greatly based on what type of mesothelioma they have, where it is located, what stage it was at when it was discovered, and their overall health, today’s patients have more options than ever when it comes to seeking treatment. Read on to find out about a few alternative herbal treatments that can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments below.
Conventional Treatments
Conventional treatments for mesothelioma are similar to those for other types of cancer. They include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery if the tumor is located in a place that does not make it inoperable. Most patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma choose to go this route, as it has been proven to provide the best results.
Alternative Treatments
Whether patients are not eligible for conventional treatments or they simply want to integrate herbal therapies, nutrition therapies, and other alternative therapies into a more comprehensive treatment plan, there are plenty of options available. Little research has been performed regarding the efficacy of alternative treatments, though, and it’s important to keep in mind that no major dietary or lifestyle changes should be undertaken without the supervision of a specialist.
Medications Derived from Natural Herbs
Ukrain, a semi-synthetic compound that was derived from a plant colloquially referred to as greater celandine, contains alkaloids such as chelidonine that have been shown to improve patients’ quality of life in several different cancer studies. Note, however, that the focus of these studies was bladder, pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancer rather than mesothelioma in particular. Extractions made from a European species of mistletoe, known as Iscador, has also been reported by Canadian researchers to improve cancer patients’ treatment outcomes.
Other Treatments
Some herbs, such as Astragalus and Cat’s Claw, have been used in traditional medicine for years to fight cancer. However, studies regarding these herbs have produced inconsistent results.
The Takeaway
Patients who have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma can learn about it here to better understand the process of developing a treatment plan. Those who are concerned about paying medical bills and making up for lost wages can visit survivingmesothelioma.com/lawyers/mesothelioma-law-firm/ for information about one legal firm that can help.