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| TREATMENT & SURVIVAL There currently is no cure for mesothelioma.
The chance of recovery for a person with mesothelioma depends on several
factors, including: • Size of the cancer Management of mesothelioma depends largely
on the staging of the tumor. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention
may lengthen life expectancy. Depending on the age and physical condition
of the patient, however, surgery may not be a viable option. In addition
to surgical options, radiation treatment and chemotherapy may be helpful
in the overall therapeutic program. Pain management and home care are
typical alternatives in the later stages of the disease. Supportive treatment
of symptoms includes respiratory treatments, chest percussion and vibration,
medication and oxygen. Here is some specific information on four common treatment options: Surgery: The goal of surgery is to physically remove the cancer from the body. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, a lung also may be removed. This operation is called pneumonectomy. Radiation therapy: The goal of radiation therapy is to use high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy). Radiation may be used after surgery or as the main treatment for a patient where surgery is not recommended. Radiation therapy may be very useful in relieving pain associated with mesothelioma. Chemotherapy: The goal of chemotherapy is to use drugs to shrink the cancer while also reducing the chance that it will spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. In mesothelioma, chemotherapy may be put directly into the chest (intrapleural chemotherapy). Intraoperative photodynamic therapy: Intraoperative photodynamic therapy is a new type of treatment that uses special drugs and light to kill cancer cells during surgery. A drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to light is injected into a vein several days before surgery. During surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, a special light is used to shine on the pleura. This treatment is being studied for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest. Survival Rate If you think you’re mesothelioma could have been prevented, read about How to Make a Case against a former employer or asbestos manufacturer. A Legal Power With the Strength and Experience
to Get Results |
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