Complementary Pain Management for Mesothelioma Cancer Patients

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the membranes that line the chest, heart and abdominal cavities of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become lodge in the mesothelium and cause cancerous cells to develop.

The latency period between time of exposure and development of symptoms is anywhere from 20 to 50 years. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural (lining of the lungs), then peritoneal (lining of the abdomen), and most rare is pericardial (lining of the heart).

Since mesothelioma can take decades to develop and symptoms are generally non-specific, it often is not diagnosed until the later stages of disease and many patients are given less than a year to survive. There is no known cure for mesothelioma; however scientists and medical specialists are researching new treatments in search of more effective and hopefully curative results.

Due to the latency period, late stage diagnosis, and lack of a cure, palliative care and pain management is a central part of treating mesothelioma. Treatment options are aimed to prolong life while keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.

In addition to standard pharmacological methods of palliative care, there are also many complementary and/or supplemental pain management options available.

Mesothelioma patients may find that pharmacological or chemical pain management isn’t enough and/or have a desire to reduce the amount of medication needed. Complementary pain management methods can offer solutions and are often easily integrated with traditional treatment plans.

The process for determining the best palliative care and pain management plan for mesothelioma patients should include several elements:

• Proper medical evaluation
• Physical examination
• Review of disease extent
• Psychosocial assessment
• Pain history and current assessment
• Treatment and drug history
• Consideration of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments
• Ongoing care, monitoring responses, and modifications

Along with these elements, the healthcare team should also be considering complementary pain treatment options that can be very effective when used alongside pharmacological methods. Some of the most common, non-harmful complementary treatments are:

• Massage – the skin is the largest organ of the body and is full of nerve endings. Massage therapy can complement drug treatments and support recovery from chemotherapy, radiation and surgery by easing pain, reducing stress and providing emotional reassurance. Massage involves manipulation and rubbing of the body’s muscle and soft tissue, encouraging relaxation and relieving pain. Massage can also reduce symptoms of nausea, fatigue and insomnia. Research studies have proven that cancer patients feel more relaxed, less pain, less anxiety and reduced nausea after receiving massage treatments.


• Hydrotherapy – involves the use of water for soothing pains, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Most types of hydrotherapy involve water directly applied to a desired area or the body immersed in water. Some examples are: warm compresses, warm water in the form of baths, hot tubs, saunas, hot showers, and ice packs. Hydrotherapy is strictly used for symptom relief and has not been proven to prevent or cure disease.


• Hypnotherapy – also known as hypnosis, involves the use of imagery of a visual, auditory and kinesthetic nature to relieve pain, nausea and vomiting, boost immune function and improve general quality of life.


• Biofeedback – method using monitoring devices to help patients consciously control physical processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and muscle tension that are usually controlled without awareness.


• Acupuncture – a technique in which very thin needles are painlessly inserted into the skin that can be helpful with mild pain and some types of nausea.


• Aromatherapy – the use of essential oils (fragrant substances distilled from plants) to alter mood or relieve stress and nausea.


• Meditation and/or prayer – Meditation is a mind-body process involving use of concentration or reflection to relax the body and calm the mind. Prayer is used to access and connect with an awareness of something greater than the individual self and is associated with different forms of spirituality.


• Tai Chi – an ancient Chinese martial art that uses movement, meditation and breathing to improve health and well-being. Exercise, even mild forms, is found to be beneficial to patients overall quality of life and survival times and is proven to relieve symptoms of depression, stress and elevated blood pressure.


• Yoga- an ancient Indian form of non-aerobic exercise that involves a program of precise postures synchronized with the breath.


• TENS – involves the use of a machine that transmits transcutaneous electrical stimulation through the skin to the nerve in an effort to relieve pain. The treatment itself is painless; however the benefit is often not immediate, is not suitable for all people, and can take time to find the best position for the electrodes used to deliver the electrical impulse. Reports differ on the efficacy of this method, however if pain persists with other treatments, it may be worthwhile to discuss this option with a doctor.

Many of the complementary pain management techniques involve stress reduction and increasing relaxation. Effective and comprehensive palliative care and pain management improves overall outcome for mesothelioma patients and their families. Patients spend more time at home and fewer days in the hospital and often find that health care costs are reduced. Most importantly, when whole-person care is considered and integrated into treatment, quality of life can drastically improve and the patient, as well as family members, feel considered and supported.

Effective pain management for mesothelioma patients is best accomplished with coordination of services by your healthcare team, medical specialists, family members and Hospice volunteers (if they are involved.) Mesothelioma patients should always consult with the oncologist and cancer treatment team when considering any type of complementary or alternative treatment.