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Mesothelioma and Physical Therapy

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Caring for Patients with Mesothelioma: Principles and Guidelines

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Abstract

Physical therapists earn graduate degrees and are movement scientists who are experts in evaluation and identifying functional limitations and deficits. They employ evidence-based practice. Malignant mesothelioma most commonly affects the pleura and less commonly the peritoneum. Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos, either through occupation or environment. Diagnosis is difficult, and prognosis is poor. Multimodal treatments, for those who are candidates, typically improve survival, especially for peritoneal mesothelioma. Physical therapy is appropriate and safe for nearly all patients with mesothelioma along their treatment continuum. Medical teams are strongly recommended to include consultation for physical therapy as a mainstay for treatment of the patient with malignant mesothelioma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brockton Visiting Nurse Association, Brockton, MA, USA

    Richard D. Hemingway

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  1. Richard D. Hemingway
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Alexandria, VA, USA

    Mary Hesdorffer

  2. City University of New York, Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA

    Gleneara E. Bates-Pappas

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Hemingway, R.D. (2019). Mesothelioma and Physical Therapy. In: Hesdorffer, M., Bates-Pappas, G. (eds) Caring for Patients with Mesothelioma: Principles and Guidelines. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96244-3_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96244-3_10

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