Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which involves the lining covering organs which include the lungs, abdominal cavity, and the heart. Environmental or occupational exposure to asbestos is believed to be the cause for this condition, in which the disease manifests usually several decades after exposure and involves mainly the lungs. Common symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain, pleurisy, and weight loss. This cancer can spread to different parts of the body and produce symptoms according to the organs affected. The modern management of this condition involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; however, the overall outcome is poor, with an average survival of 1 to 2 years after a confirmed diagnosis.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Mesothelioma involves treatment of the main tumor as well as treatment of affected organs and metastases. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific antitumor effect and which target the specific organ affected, be it the lungs, the abdomen or the heart, are used in high doses and for prolonged periods. These medicines are used in combination with other medicines which prevent the spread of the cancer through the blood as well as the lymphatic circulation.
Immunomodulatory herbal agents are also used in the management of this condition in order to boost the immune status of the affected individual at the earliest, so as to help bring about an early remission or control of the tumour, prevent its spread, prevent long-term complications, and improve the overall survival of the affected individual. Medicines may also be required to flush out the dead cancer cells from the lymphatic and blood circulation either through the gastrointestinal tract or through the kidneys.
Since Mesothelioma is an aggressive tumour with a poor survival rate, treatment needs to be started at the earliest possible, once the diagnosis has been confirmed. Depending upon the extent of spread of the tumour, affected individuals may require treatment for periods ranging from nine to eighteen months. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can however provide significant improvement with regular treatment and can definitely prolong the survival of affected individuals, with an improved quality of life.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
