This document discusses the roles of ancillary healthcare providers who assist in caring for patients with mesothelioma during and after treatment. It describes how doctors and nurses require support from professionals like physical therapists, dietitians, mental health counselors and others to address issues like pain, weakness, nutrition and psychological well-being. These ancillary providers have advanced degrees and certification in their specialty areas. The document also outlines what conditions different providers treat and how home health care and insurance coverage factors into ancillary care.

1. Aftercare: Ancillary Health
Care for Mesothelioma
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. Who Helps Patients During and After
Treatment for Mesothelioma?
Doctors and nurses are the most familiar and
common health care providers in mesothelioma
care.
However, it takes a multidisciplinary team of
health care professionals to supervise a
patient’s complex mesothelioma issues.
We will discuss the roles of ancillary care and
home health care for mesothelioma patients.
(800) 615-2270

3. Issues Requiring Attention During and After
Mesothelioma Treatment
 Weight loss or gain or changes in taste
 Fatigue
 Swelling/fluid buildup after surgery
 Numbness/weakness in extremities
Difficulty breathing/weak lungs
 Trouble swallowing
 Homebound/immobility
 Anxiety/depression
(800) 615-2270

4. Role of Ancillary Health Care Staff
Oncologists and their nurses are not experts in
nutrition, physical therapy rehabilitation or
mental health care.
Ancillary healthcare members have received
advanced training/education and certification
or licensure in their area of expertise.
(800) 615-2270

5. Who Helps Oncologists Care for
Mesothelioma Patients?
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Registered Dietitians
Speech/Language Therapists
Respiratory Therapists
Lymphedema Specialists
Clinical Social Workers/Mental
Health Counselors/Psychologists
(800) 615-2270

6. Physical Therapy
Provide assessment and treatment to help
mesothelioma patients:
Maintain strength
Decrease fatigue levels
Minimize pain
Maximize function (balance, mobility) Physical
therapists are well-trained (master’s or doctorate)
and require a state license to practice.
(800) 615-2270

7. Registered Dietitian
 Identify patients at risk of malnutrition or weight
loss from mesothelioma treatment.
 Maintain nutritional intake during and after
treatment.
 Advice on nutritional supplements, tube feeding
and menu planning.
 Have a master’s degree or doctorate degree in
dietetics and nutrition.
 There is an additional certification (CSO) in
oncology nutrition offered by the Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics.
(800) 615-2270

8. Speech or Language Pathologist
Assess and diagnose problems
with swallowing and speech in
mesothelioma patients.
Help patients with swallowing
and cancer-related speech
difficulties.
Have a master’s degree or
doctorate degree in Speech
and Language Pathology.
(800) 615-2270

9. Occupational Therapy
When cancer treatment leaves patients with side
effects such as weakness, numbness, pain or cognitive
disabilities, an occupational therapist can help:
Teach patients how to conserve energy and function
better in their environment
Use assistive devices and technology to help patients
dress, eat, shower, etc.
Set up routines to improve memory and cognitive
functions.
Occupational therapists have either a master’s
degree or doctorate degree in occupational therapy.
(800) 615-2270

10. Lymphedema Treatment
Surgery or radiation can affect
a patient’s lymphatic system,
which can lead to swelling
because lymphatic fluid can’t
drain properly.
Lymphadema therapists are
trained in lymphatic drainage
massage and help patients with
wrapping the affected area to
prevent further fluid buildup.
(800) 615-2270

11. Lymphedema Therapist
In order to become a lymphedema specialist,
you first would need to be a:
Registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical
therapist, physician, athletic trainer, chiropractor
or massage therapist.
Further training in lymphatic prevention and
treatment is also required to become a LANA
certified therapist.
(800) 615-2270

12. Respiratory Therapy
Many patients with mesothelioma have
difficulty breathing because of the cancer or
side effects of treatment.
Respiratory therapists help patients improve
lung function with a variety of educational and
rehabilitation techniques.
Respiratory therapists have either an associate
or bachelor’s degree in respiratory care.
(800) 615-2270

13. Mental Health Providers
 Psychological and social issues often arise in
mesothelioma treatment in patients AND
caregivers.
 Psychologists, mental health counselors or clinical
social workers are able to help patients and their
loved ones with:
Anxiety /Fear
Family relationship issues
Depression
Body image/self-esteem
(800) 615-2270

14. Mental Health Providers (Cont.)
Psychologists have received their doctorate
degree in clinical psychology.
Mental health counselors have a master’s
degree in clinical psychology.
Clinical social workers have a master’s degree
in clinical social work.
(800) 615-2270

15. Home Health Care (HHC)
When mesothelioma patients are homebound
but still require care related to their treatment,
home health care providers may be utilized.
HHC staff include: RNs, LPNs, physical
therapists, occupational therapists or speech
therapists
(800) 615-2270

16. Who Pays for Ancillary Care?
 Depends upon the coverage of your health plan.
 Most insurances cover some rehab services like
PT/OT, lymphedema treatment and home health
care for a limited time with doctors orders.
 Some insurances (private, Medicare or Medicaid)
will cover mental health services or meeting with
a registered dietitian.
 Some comprehensive cancer centers offer ancillary
services as part of their care: Mental health
counseling or dietary counseling.
(800) 615-2270

17. Should I Ask?
You may need to ask your oncologist or surgeon
for a referral for ancillary services.
They may not be aware you are struggling with
weakness, swelling, depression or need for
home health care unless you bring it up.
If they feel it would be helpful, they can assist
in referring you to the appropriate ancillary
health care provider.
(800) 615-2270

18. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270