Mesothelioma Treatment
The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to other diseases or conditions. This makes it difficult to identify. Patients who have been exposed to asbestos should disclose their history to their doctor and receive regular tests.
Mesothelioma develops following the ingestion or inhaling minuscule asbestos fibers that lodge inside the tissue linings. This cancer is most common in the abdomen and lungs but can also affect the heart or testicles.
Chemotherapy
The first line of treatment for mesothelioma is chemotherapy. The cancer drug can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, allowing doctors to remove the majority of the cancerous tissue. It can also reduce pain and other mesothelioma symptoms, like fatigue. Chemotherapy can be paired with other mesothelioma treatments, like surgery and radiation therapy.
Mesothelioma occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers some internal organs like the stomach, lungs and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. The asbestos-containing mineral was used for insulation and other purposes until it was banned in the 1970s. Workers who handled and removed the material were exposed to tiny asbestos fibers that could be swallowed or inhaled which could cause cellular damage.
asbestos case fibers can irritate and harm the mesothelium which can lead to the development of cancerous tumors in certain cases. The two mesothelioma types are pleural and peritoneal.
The most frequent mesothelioma type accounts for 75 percent. It is caused by exposure to airborne
asbestos fibers that become lodged in the chest cavity's lining and pulmonary tissues. Peritoneal mesothelioma, a less well-known form of the disease that develops from exposure to asbestos-containing products in the digestive tract.
Once the mesothelioma has been diagnosed and a treatment plan has been developed. The treatment plan is customized to each patient and dependent on the stage of mesothelioma. Patients with advanced mesothelioma may have a shorter life expectancy.
A mesothelioma expert at a reputable hospital will guide you through the options available for mesothelioma treatment. You can learn on the different kinds of treatments, such as aggressive surgeries and cytoreduction with HIPEC, as well as maintenance therapies.
Asbestos mesothelioma can be costly and therefore it is essential to discuss your financial options with your doctor. Some victims are able to receive compensation for their asbestos-related ailments through lawsuits, VA benefits or asbestos trust fund claims. A lawyer can offer a free evaluation of your case to determine the most effective option for you.
Surgery
The lining of the chest wall and lungs (pleura) is affected by mesothelioma of the pleural lining. It's caused by exposure
asbestos which is a type composed of microscopic fibres. These are too small to be viewed, but too tough for the body to break down and result in genetic changes in cells that can turn into cancer. Mesothelioma typically appears 20 or more years after people come in contact with asbestos. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include chest pain and breathing difficulties.
Plaques can also be found in the pleura. They do not cause any symptoms, but can appear on scans and could be an indicator of the possibility of mesothelioma development. Asbestos may also cause the formation of pleural effusions, wherein fluid accumulates between the lungs and chest wall. This can cause irritation and pain however it can be difficult to treat as the pleura is incredibly sensitive.
Surgery can be a key element of treatment for mesothelioma. It can alleviate symptoms and improve survival rate, but it is not a cure. There are two kinds of surgery to treat mesothelioma such as peritonectomy and pleurectomy.
A pleurectomy is the removal of the pleura around your lung. It's a long-lasting operation and doctors may not be able to remove all the tumors. They may opt for a less invasive procedure called partial pleurectomy or debulking. This is a more gentle surgery that aims to remove as much of the tumors possible.
Doctors can perform a more invasive surgery called extrapleural lung pneumonectomy. This can be done if they believe there is a possibility of a cure for mesothelioma patients who have resectable disease. In EPP, surgeons remove the entire affected lung along with parts of the pleura that surround it, the diaphragm to that side, and possibly even the pericardium. They then replace them with man-made materials to rebuild the chest cavity.
This is a major surgery that comes with risks and complications such as blood clots, wound infections, respiratory failure and changes in the heart rhythm. It can also cause an increase in chest fluid and pneumonia. It's a good option for patients who are in good health and want to try to get a better chance of survival.
Radiation Therapy
Mesothelioma forms in the organ linings, such as the lungs and abdomen. It is caused by asbestos exposure. People who are exposed include firefighters, construction workers, military veterans and others in blue-collar professions. Manufacturers were aware of the dangers associated with asbestos, but did not disclose them to earn profits. Cancer is usually detected in its late stages, and the prognosis is not good.
Radiation therapy employs high-powered radiation to kill mesothelioma cells as well as shrink tumors. It can be combined with chemotherapy or surgery to try to eradicate mesothelioma and improve the quality of life for patients. Radiation can cause damage to mesothelioma cancer cells, however they are very sensitive to radiation. Radiation is an uncomfortable, risky and inconvenient treatment option.
Before starting mesothelioma treatments doctors will conduct a physical examination and review your medical background. They can request a blood test or imaging tests to check for signs of disease. Patients should be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos as well as any symptoms they experience.
Imaging tests can help diagnose mesothelioma and exclude other conditions. Doctors make use of chest X-rays, CT scanners and MRIs to take pictures of the lungs and abdominal cavity. These images can show the location and severity, but not the type of cancer.
A biopsy sample is required to diagnose mesothelioma. A biopsy will determine if mesothelioma is epithelioid or sarcomatoid. The epithelioid type is the most prevalent and responds well to treatment while mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid is less responsive.
In a mesothelioma treatment program radiation can be utilized to alleviate pain and other symptoms. It can be delivered through external radiation treatments, such as X-rays and CT scans, or internal using a procedure called brachytherapy. In the brachytherapy procedure, radioactive material is placed inside or close to the site of the tumor to provide more radiation doses with greater accuracy.
The treatment is usually given over a three or four week period, which could be difficult for the immune system. As a result patients must make sure to get enough rest and plan meals in advance to ensure they have food on hand. Also, they should be prepared for the possibility of digestive problems and consider switching to a blander or softer diet during this period.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps to reset your body's natural immune response. Your care team will determine which immunotherapy options are suitable for you. These treatments can be paired with other options for mesothelioma-related cancer treatment, like chemotherapy and surgery.
Mesothelioma immune therapy treatments can prolong survival and prevent any recurrence. These treatments stimulate the body's defenses to fight cancerous cells.