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Alternative Medicine Options

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Mesothelioma, like many terminal diseases, does not respond well to conventional treatments. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure and because of its similarity to other forms of cancer and diseases in its early stages, it has the ability to mask its presence in the body for years before becoming apparent. It is therefore an extremely difficult cancer to diagnose and treat. Indeed, most cancers are difficult to treat, but when a doctor is dealing with mesothelioma it is not uncommon to have many of the best treatments available have no effect on the illness. Many hospitals report mesothelioma remission rates of less than 1 in 20. For that reason, any patient that contracts it will have a bleak chance at beating it.

Due to the poor success rate of conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery when dealing with mesothelioma, some patients might turn to alternative medicine. If they have accepted the terminal nature of mesothelioma, then they might use alternative medicine in an attempt to ease some of their symptoms and to encourage strong mental health through a very difficult time.

Types of Treatments Available
Herbalism: The principles of herbalism have been developed over hundreds of years and is sometimes referred to as botanical medicine. Through the use of extracts from various naturally occurring plants, fungi, and sometimes animal products, the goal of the herbalist is to treat a known symptom or condition. For example, if the patient complains of pain then the herbalist would use a specific extract in order to treat the patient's pain. Many herbs have very well documented medical uses and for this reason many modern drugs are actually modified plant extracts.

Homeopathy: Homeopathic practitioners believe that there is a vital life force inside each individual. The basis of homeopathy lies in utilizing extremely diluted amounts of specific substances in order to attempt to cure the individual. For example, if an individual were suffering from the flu then a homeopath might use an ultra-diluted solution containing sulfur molecules or Labrador tea in order to heal the patient. Homeopathic medicine has very little basis in medical science and there have been a few cases of medical complications arising from the use of homeopathic medicines.

Naturopathy: Naturopathy is a very general field where the emphasis is placed on assisting the body's natural healing processes rather than using any invasive or non-natural methods to treat a patient. Naturopaths may, for example, use both herbalism and homeopathy treatments in attempts to aid their patients. Naturopathic physicians utilize things like blood tests in order to ascertain the full extent of the physiological condition. Based on the results of the test, they will decide on an appropriate course of action. Their overall goal is to diminish the side-effects patients experience from treatments.

These are just three of the many different alternative remedies available, but regardless of whether or not a patient uses conventional or alternative methods, it is almost guaranteed that their battle with mesothelioma is going to be difficult. If you are currently afflicted with mesothelioma, then there are other, non-medical steps that are available.

It is important to remember, however, that modern medicine is based on controlled, well-tested science. If you choose to pursue any alternative approach to conventional methods, be aware that you are trying something that has not been properly tested, and will not give consistent results. This means that the treatment may even be harmful. Before attempting any alternative medicine, first consult your doctor as to whether or not the approach is safe. You should trust what your doctor says in all matters related to your disease he or she knows every detail of your condition, and can make the best recommendation as to what alternative methods to attempt.