Could Natural Therapies Be the Cure For Mesothelioma Cancer?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in the cells surrounding the organs called the mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma occurs most frequently in the tissues covering the lungs and is nearly always caused by exposure to asbestos.

It is usually over 20 years before asbestos related cancer is diagnosed and the prognosis for patients is hardly ever positive. Traditional treatment include chemotherapy, but in recent years there has been more effort and time spent researching alternative treatments that will help to eradicate the disease or improve a sufferer's quality of life.

A lot of these treatments are still in testing and research stages, but an increasing number of those suffering with the disease are willing to take a chance to see if these treatments can help them.

Vitamin C has been trialled as a cure at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Scotland and reportedly had 'excellent results'. It was administered in quite high doses by the chief surgeon and was deemed successful, although in other studies have reported minimal or no success.

Iscador, a natural remedy, is the trading name of Viscum album, a particular species of mistletoe,, which has been said to reduce the effects of cancer. Very few experts suggest Viscum album reduces tumour size, but stimulation of the immune system, an improved in general health well being, and a reversion of cancerous cells into less damaging forms are some of its benefits.

Astragulus is another plant based remedy, which is a native Chinese plant which has been studied as a remedy in China. One such study concluded that if chemotherapy was combined with injections of Astragulus then the development of tumours could be inhibited and the function of the immune system could be improved.

No alternative therapies have been completely endorses as successful as of yet, but the advancements in the way we can treat and reduce the effects of asbestos cancer imply that experts are getting closer to finding ways of increasing life expectancy in patients, or perhaps even finding a cure.