Mesothelioma is a cancer that stems from exposure to asbestos dust and fibers, and at present, there is no cure for this form of cancer. However, there are some treatments that are commonly used in order to try and improve the quality of life for the patients, to ease symptoms of the cancer, and even to prolong life by a short time. Upon diagnosis of this cancer, your doctor will recommend a specific type of treatment or combination of treatments based upon the variation of mesothelioma that you have, your age, your medical history, and other factors.
Surgery is one option that is available to those with certain forms of this cancer, and this type of procedure entails removal of tissue or organs. Surgery may involve a pneumonectomy, where a diseased lung is removed, or may involve a pleurectomy where part of the chest, abdominal lining, and tissue is removed. There are risks involved with surgery, and doctors will have to take a number of factors into consideration before putting you in for a surgical procedure.
Another type of treatment for mesothelioma patients is radiation therapy, which is a very focussed treatment that targets only the cancerous cells, rather than the healthy ones as well. Radioactive sources are placed in the affected areas as part of this treatment, and radiation is then emitted to try and kill off the cancerous cells. This form of treatment can be used in conjunction with surgery or may also be used alone if surgery is not a viable option.
Another commonly used form of treatment for mesothelioma patients is known as chemotherapy. This type of treatment can be administered in injection and pill form. There are a number of side effects associated with this type of treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, weight loss and physical fatigue. Also, the drugs can affect healthy cells as well as cancerous ones, which is another downside to this type of treatment.
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