Mesothelioma

When a mesothelioma patient is diagnosed as incurable, there are limited options for obtaining relief from symptoms of mesothelioma. Of course, pain management will be different with each patient. Both the patient’s pre-existing and exacerbating conditions are factors in determining the best care plan available. The good news is there are some similarities in mesothelioma treatment and symptomatic relief for pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Most cancer patients, mesothelioma cancer patients included, will experience painful difficulty breathing during the last stages of cancer. Medical studies have shown that as many as 70% of terminal cancer patients have a painful experience with breathing. Diseases such as pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and lung cancer result in painful breathing and shortness of breath during all of the cancer stages, not just the terminal stages.

This difficulty in breathing is frightening for the mesothelioma patient, the caregiver and family members. The overwhelming fear of imminent death and helplessness becomes more real. Symptoms of mesothelioma breathing difficulties should be treated with emotional care as well as physical symptom relief. Relaxation techniques should be discussed with the patient. Breathing difficulties can be reduced by adapting daily activities. Changes in lifestyle will be required to control mesothelioma breathing difficulties. The most stubborn mesothelioma patients need to be reminded that this is the best mesothelioma treatment for them.

These changes can be implemented by learning, advising and providing for the patient the best position of their body for proper air flow. A fresh stream of air from a window or a fan can provide relief during breathing difficulty. The patient should be taught hyperventilation techniques. These very useful for the patient’s self-monitoring of their mesothelioma treatment. Mesothelioma patients need to learn how to purse their lips at the first sign of breathing trouble, stay calm, relax their shoulders, back, neck and arms, then flop themselves into relaxation. While mastering this technique, learning how to breathe out slowly is an important step in breathing management.

Symptoms of mesothelioma will vary depending primarily on the stage of the cancer. Regardless of the stage, patients can achieve some relief with assistance from the caregiver and family members.