Mesothelioma is a rare form of asbestos cancer that forms in the tissue surrounding the lungs, heart and stomach. Because of the long latency period, it is diagnosed in the late stages, making treatment of mesothelioma difficult. Consequently, treatment is often focused on symptom and pain management. The pain associated with the disease is a challenge that must be addressed in order to provide support to the mesothelioma victim.
The majority of mesothelioma victims contract pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs. Therefore, common symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. As the affected tissue continues to thicken and become less pliable, the pain increases dramatically.
Pain Management
Including a medical professional specializing in pain management is important to ensure the comfort of a mesothelioma patient. The pain management techniques in use today provide much better relief of chronic pain experienced in mesothelioma cases.
Pain management specialists use various techniques that address each phase of discomfort. During initial stages of the cancer, analgesics are often used to handle discomfort. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are used in the attempt to stop the spread of mesothelioma, and shrink any tumors, which can ease the pain.
As mesothelioma progresses, the pain levels move from general and episodic to severe and chronic. The technique of providing oral and injectable analgesics or narcotics may no longer alleviate pain. Doctors may prescribe a solution comprised of local anesthetics and opioid analgesics that is delivered epidurally.
The epidural is attached to a catheter that facilitates precise doses of the pain-killing solution at preset times and amounts. Controlling the pain with this technique may reduce the need for the patient to remain in the hospital and allows him or her to rest at home. The device and medications are monitored by in-home hospice workers or nurses, and give the mesothelioma patient more mobility that other options.
Hospice and In-Home Care
When determining the best means of support for a mesothelioma patient, hospice or some type of in-home care should be discussed. As with any terminal illness, arrangements need to be made to facilitate the patient’s physical comfort, as well as provide the family and caregivers with respite. The hospice and in-home care professionals not only provide physical assistance, but also emotional support to mesotheloioma victims and their families. Accepting support from a trained professional can alleviate some of the stress associated with providing care for someone with mesothelioma, giving the family precious time to spend with their loved one.
NOTE: The content contained herein was not prepared by medical professionals and should not be construed as medical advice. Please address all medical questions, concerns, and symptoms with your doctor.