The range of mesothelioma treatment options has widened in the last decade, but a person diagnosed with mesothelioma should learn which treatment options are best suited for his or her unique case of the doctor (s) providing medical care. The description here is just an introduction that gives very basic information about exposure to asbestos exposure and options for the treatment of mesothelioma.
Traditional treatment options for mesothelioma
Five major approaches to mesothelioma treatment include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, palliative therapy and biological therapy. Each method can only be used, but often they are coordinated in combined programs to improve overall treatment outcomes. The extent of treatment always depends on the physical health of a patient, his age, the location and stages of the mesothelioma (degree of illness) of the disease, and the degree of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a disease that attacks the lungs, the heart and / or the chest wall (the mesothelium). Various treatment options for mesothelioma are available, including:
- Surgery - A pneumonectomy or pleurectomy may be performed to remove diseased tissue.
- Radiation - Radiation therapy may be used in lieu of or in addition to surgery to kill cancer cells or abnormal cells in a particular target area.
- Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is a more aggressive form of treatment that is used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Palliative Treatments - Palliative treatments can be used to relieve pain by removing excess fluid from the affected areas or by various other methods.
- Thoracentesis - Thoracentesis is the removal of fluid and / or air from the pleural space for treatment or diagnosis.
- A combination of two or more of the above therapies
- Mesothelioma Surgery
Mesothelioma surgery occurs when patients are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and may be considered as potential candidates for a surgical procedure known as pneumonectomy. This is the surgical removal (removal) of the diseased lung and possibly affected parts of the surrounding diaphragm. In reality, pneumonectomy is considered to be a high-risk procedure and its suitability depends on the patient's current state of health and the degree of asbestos exposure. [*]
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