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Nutrition of mesothelioma
By Eden Ali | September 24, 2007
Whether a patient decides to be treated by aggressive means or only on the basis of symptom control, nutrition plays a vital role in the wellbeing of the patient. Although the side effects of the diverse treatments or even the evolution of the malady sometimes makes the patient have difficulty in eating well, consumption of enough nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and so forth, makes the patient fell healthier and stay stronger.
Oncologists who specialize in the area of mesothelioma feel that a high percentage of patients lose about 10% or more of their body weight even preceding to making treatment decisions. Like most cancerous patients, too little consumption of calories and proteins in their diet are the most common nutritional problems found. Absence of these constituents can inhibit healing, fighting infection and providing heartiness. For instance, patients who desire to look into surgical, chemotherapeutic and other treatment options must receive aggressive nutritional support in other to ready them for it. As for those who receive palliative care, enhanced nutrition will offer better quality of life and overall health.
Usually, assessments are carried out on the patients’ nutritional status in other to identify any potential problems that may impede treatment or quality of life. Such assessments include:
- weight changes over a period of time;
- changes in the quantity or types of food eaten;
- symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation that have affected appetite;
- inability to conduct normal daily living.
Topics: Mesothelioma nutrition therapy |
January 31st, 2008 at 12:53 am
very informative article.Thanks!