Mesothelioma is a rare but serious form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs. It is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos, usually in a work-related setting. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of lung cancer, including difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
The treatment for mesothelioma can be aggressive and often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. While these treatments can be effective in fighting the cancer, they also come with debilitating side effects. This is where medical cannabis comes in.
Dr. Raja Flores, head of Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Thoracic Surgery Department, has found that medical cannabis can be a valuable tool in helping mesothelioma patients manage their symptoms. He often recommends it to patients who are experiencing significant issues. Medical cannabis has been shown to relieve pain and nausea, improve appetite and sleep, and reduce anxiety.
Medical cannabis is not just a anecdotal treatment; it has been clinically proven to help ease the symptoms of mesothelioma. In fact, it is currently being used medicinally in 33 states for cancer treatment. Clinical trials have shown that medical marijuana can help patients manage cancer-related symptoms and side effects of treatment.
One of the main benefits of medical cannabis for mesothelioma patients is pain relief. Studies have shown that vaporized cannabis given with morphine relieved pain better than morphine alone. Additionally, a study using a Cannabis extract sprayed under the tongue found that it helped advanced cancer patients whose pain was not relieved by strong opioids alone.
In addition to pain relief, medical cannabis can also help with other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It has been shown to reduce vomiting and improve appetite in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, which are common issues for mesothelioma patients.
The use of medical cannabis in treating mesothelioma is still a relatively new field, but the evidence is promising. As more research is conducted and more trials are completed, we will likely see an increased acceptance and use of medical cannabis as a complementary treatment for mesothelioma.
While medical cannabis cannot cure mesothelioma, it can greatly improve the quality of life for patients. It can help manage symptoms and side effects, allowing patients to better tolerate their treatments and maintain a higher level of functioning. With its proven benefits and relatively low risk of side effects, medical cannabis should be considered as a valuable tool in the treatment of mesothelioma.
In conclusion, mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer that can be difficult to treat. The standard treatments often come with debilitating side effects. Medical cannabis has been shown to relieve pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with mesothelioma and its treatment. It can greatly improve the quality of life for patients and should be considered as a complementary therapy in the fight against this devastating disease.
