Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatment options can vary depending on what kind of mesothelioma is present, the extent of the disease, the patient’s history and age, and the location of the tumor. In order to relieve some of the stress of an unknown outcome, it is crucial to be well informed of all available Mesothelioma treatment options.
Pneumonectomy
Most common in Pleural Mesothelioma, pneumonectomy is the removal of the cancerous lung. Depending on the spread of the disease, parts of diaphragm may be removed as well. A pleurectomy may also be used to treat Pleural Mesothelioma by removing parts of the chest and surrounding tissue. The ability for these procedures to be performed is dependent on the patient's overall health, spread of the disease, and the amount of asbestos exposure.
Surgery
More common in Peritoneal Mesothelioma, surgery may be performed to remove part of the lining and tissue from the abdomen, depending on how advanced the cancer has become and the size and location of the tumor(s).
Radiation
Radiation therapy is common in treatment for all types of mesothelioma and is the most effective treatment for Pericardial Mesothelioma. Radiation therapy works by placing a radioactive source in the area of disease for the purpose of shrinking tumors. The use of radiation has the benefit of destroying cancerous tissue while not exposing healthy cells.
Radiation can be administered either externally or internally. When using external radiation, a machine is placed outside the body to emit radiation to the source of the cancer. When using internal radiation, a radioactive source is placed internally on the affected area, in the hope of destroying cancerous tissue. This form of mesothelioma treatment can be performed in conjunction with surgery or alone, if the individual is too ill for surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for all types of mesothelioma. This high toxicity drug is usually administered by injection or in pill form. Unlike radiation therapy, this form of Mesothelioma treatment is not targeted to a particular area. The chemotherapy drugs enter the blood stream and kill off cancerous cells as it makes its way through the body. Unfortunately, this has the disadvantage of exposing healthy tissue to the toxicity of the chemotherapy drugs, which means it has to be closely monitored. Some side effects from chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue and weight loss.
Palliative therapy
Palliative therapy is another common treatment for all types of mesothelioma. Ascites, or fluid accumulation, often takes place in areas affected by mesothelioma. To relieve some of the pressure, palliative therapy is used. This involves removing excess fluid by needle and suction from the affected areas. Drugs are also used in order to keep fluid accumulation under control.
Once your mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed and you have begun treatment, it is imperative that you seek the advice of a lawyer who specializes in asbestos-related illness. If a past employer negligently exposed you to asbestos, you are most likely entitled to a monetary award to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages against a negligent employer.
Are you going through Mesothelioma treatment and need your well-deserved compensation?
Email us: njohnson@johnsonlawgroup.com
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More information about Mesothelioma:
What is mesothelioma?
What is asbestos?
Types of mesothelioma