Mesothelioma isn’t simply an asbestos cancer, although many individuals believe it is. There are all numerous causes of mesothelioma and four types. However, regardless of how a person contracted this rare disease, treatment options are available. People need to be aware of the more conventional options but should also consider newer methods that may be of benefit to them. With this information, a patient and his or her loved ones find they are better able to make treatment decisions that they are comfortable with.
Surgery
Surgery can significantly increase a person’s lifespan after a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In fact, it can more than double the patient’s lifespan. However, several types of surgery are offered and patients need to understand the two basic types. Doctors may recommend an aggressive surgery to extend the person’s life. If this is not possible, surgery may be offered for palliative reasons and to help the patient live a better quality of life by relieving the symptoms. These types of surgeries work to reduce the build-up of fluid around the affected organ to provide this relief.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy increases a patient’s survival time significantly also. The medications work to slow or halt the growth of the cancer cells, but the method of delivery depends on the type of mesothelioma. When the lining of the lungs is affected, the chemotherapy drugs are typically delivered intravenously. In contrast, when a patient has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the abdominal cavity, surgery is done first for debulking purposes. In this situation, the drugs are administered directly to the abdomen and a second procedure done at a later date helps to increase survival time.
Radiation
Radiation is commonly used in conjunction with chemotherapy to provide relief to the patient. However, care must be taken due to the harm that can result as a result of radiation. It is more commonly seen in pleural mesothelioma.
New Methods
Immunotherapy, gene therapy, and photodynamic therapy are now being used for the treatment of mesothelioma. Some people also turn to alternative medicine in the hopes of prolonging their life or curing the disease. However, all treatments being considered should be discussed with the medical team to ensure they won’t counteract each other.
Individuals wanting to know about surviving mesothelioma should consider all options. Researchers continue to find new ways to treat cancer and this rare disease may be eradicated at some point in the future. Until then, patients should never give up.