Mesothelioma and Medical Cannabis Treatment

Mesothelioma is cancer that kills the lining of the same name in the lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs, reports MedlinePlus, the periodical of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, adding the type of malignant cancer is most often caused by asbestos exposure that is usually work-related. The “rare but serious” condition is sometimes hard to differentiate from lung cancer but shares the same symptoms, including trouble breathing, pain the abdomen, and weight loss.

The therapy for mesothelioma can be harsh, entailing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, all of which have debilitating side effects that medical cannabis conclusively relieves. The Mesothelioma Guide reports that Dr. Raja Flores, head of Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Thoracic Surgery Department, prescribes medical cannabis, prescribes it. 

“Frequently, if a patient comes in and is having a lot of issues, I will suggest it,” said Dr. Flores, the head of Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Thoracic Surgery Department. “It’s another tool you have in your shed to help these patients.”

Mesothelioma Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

There are up to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases annually, with most sufferers being blue-collar workers over the age of 65, according to Abestos.com, adding the condition accounts for less than 3% of all cancer cases in the U.S.There are four mesothelioma types: peritoneal, pericardial and testicular, and pleural, which is the most common form with 75% sufferers having this kind. 

The National Cancer Institute reports the four primary ways of treatment include surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. These forms of treatment intended to attack cancer cells are intense, often causing severe side effects, including appetite loss, diarrhea, infection, fatigue, fertility issues in both genders, bleeding, insomnia, neuropathy, and more.  

Using Cannabinoids to Treat Mesothelioma

Medical cannabis is clinically proven to ease mesothelioma, according to Abestos.com, reporting its medicinal use in 33 states for cancer shows it.

“Patients with mesothelioma cope with symptoms of the disease and side effects of cancer treatment such as chest pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea,” reports Abestos.com. “A number of clinical trials found evidence that medical marijuana may help some patients manage cancer-related symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment.” Some of those benefits include pain and nausea relief, reduced vomiting, improved appetite and sleep, and less anxiety. 

The National Cancer Institute also notes the effects of medical cannabis in easing all types of cancer pain, including mesothelioma). Citing several studies, the institute notes while it benefits others notably uncomfortable side effects, it also helps the pain. “In a study of 21 patients with chronic pain, vaporized Cannabis given with morphine relieved pain better than morphine alone, while vaporized Cannabis given with oxycodone did not give greater pain relief,” reports NCI. Furthermore, “a study of Cannabis extract that was sprayed under the tongue found it helped patients with advanced cancer whose pain was not relieved by strong opioids alone,” adds NCI.

While mesothelioma sufferers fight against cancer that is killing their cells, sustaining the highest quality of life possible is the goal. Medical cannabis does that.