Mesothelioma Treatment Options
The mesothelioma treatment plan you choose will be based on a variety of factors. Your cancer treatment team will discuss the best treatment options for you.
Mesothelioma-targeted treatments slow down cancer cell growth by blocking them oxygen. They may be utilized in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs.
Doctors are cautious when performing cytoreductive surgeries on patients suffering from epithelioid Histology. The procedure does improve the chances of survival.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for mesothelioma, and can help prolong the life of patients. It makes use of anti-cancer drugs to kill mesothelioma cancer cells and stop their growth. Typically, doctors administer chemotherapy through injections. They can also administer the drug through the vein (intravenously). Patients with pleural mesothelioma are typically treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed or carboplatin. This will typically be given every 3 weeks for the duration of a series of treatments called cycles. During chemotherapy, patients will be afflicted with side effects that could vary in severity. These side effects could include nausea and vomiting. The majority, if not all of these side effects will go away after the treatment has ended.
HIPEC is an operation that delivers chemotherapy directly into the abdomen to treat mesothelioma of the peritoneal pleural. This procedure is usually performed in conjunction with surgery.
It is essential to talk with a specialist about all the treatment options available for mesothelioma. This will help patients understand the risks of each treatment, the benefits, and potential side effects associated with each treatment option. A mesothelioma expert with a track record of success will have a lot of experience in treating mesothelioma. They'll be competent to provide a wide range of information. They'll be able answer any questions patients or their loved ones may have.
It is important to find an expert in mesothelioma as it is a rare condition. This will help ensure that patients receive the highest quality care possible.
It may be worth seeking an additional opinion if you aren't sure about the treatment options that your mesothelioma physician suggests. This will help you be more confident about the plan your doctor has outlined.
Many patients with mesothelioma are eligible for clinical trials to test new treatments. They can be a great option for those who have exhausted all other options for treatment. Talk to your doctor to determine if you qualify for a mesothelioma study. For more information on mesothelioma clinical trials, go to our Clinical Trials page.
Radiation Therapy
The spread of mesothelioma makes it difficult to eradicate with surgery or other treatments. However, there are a variety of palliative treatments that could aid in easing symptoms, such as pain. Some of these procedures are not invasive at all. One option that is non-invasive is for doctors to drain excess fluid from the affected area. This alleviates pressure on the chest, lungs or stomach organs and can alleviate the pain.
Another option for treatment is chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. The systemic chemotherapy is distributed through the body and eliminates cancerous cells. Doctors may use systemic chemotherapy prior to mesothelioma surgeries (neoadjuvant therapy) to make them easier and also after surgery to reduce the chance of repeat incidence.
Radiation therapy, which utilizes radiation beams to destroy mesothelioma cancers or slow their growth, is a treatment for both peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma. In addition to eliminating cancer cells, radiation also helps in the management of symptoms, such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. For patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, radiation is administered following a procedure called cytoreduction with chemotherapy that is heated.
In a cytoreduction, surgeons remove tumors from the abdomen and then cleanse the abdominal cavity with a heated form of chemotherapy, known as HIPEC. The radiation can be given to the area by doctors and can help relieve symptoms and increases the chance of survival.
Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stages 1 or 2 are candidates for surgical removal of a part of the pleura. Surgery involves removing as the amount of tumor tissue as is possible and also nearby tissues, including diaphragms and pericardiums. Some specialist centers also provide heated intraoperative chemotherapy to kill any remaining tumors following surgery.
Combining treatments is usually the best option for patients with mesothelioma. Most doctors favor a multimodal approach that includes chemotherapy, surgery and sometimes radiation immunotherapy. Many of these treatments are considered experimental and are not yet approved by the FDA. Talk to your doctor about how these therapies can benefit you. Make sure you are aware of potential adverse effects, including fatigue, the risk of infection and nausea.
Surgery
For mesothelioma of the pleural region, doctors have a range of surgical options to eliminate cancerous tissue or treat symptoms. Mesothelioma typically begins in the linings of the chest cavity and abdomen (peritoneum) however it can also occur in the lung tissue.
Before the surgery, doctors examine your mesothelioma for the stage of the cancer. This allows them to select the appropriate treatment. Physical exams, chest X rays, and CT scans are the most common tests. Other tests could include a biopsy or blood tests to determine the health of your organs.
The procedure of biopsy involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen to collect fluid or tissue samples. The cells are then examined under microscopes to determine whether they are mesothelioma. MRI can also be used by doctors to obtain images of mesothelioma cells that are not surgery.
After the biopsy, mesothelioma specialists can discuss the results with you. They may suggest an approach to multimodal therapy. This is the most effective method to prolong the life span and improve quality of life.
In a multimodal approach to treatment, doctors combine different types treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy with surgery. They will create a personalized treatment plan that is suited to your requirements and goals. The doctor will also provide information about the treatment and possible adverse effects.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancerous cells and stop their growth or division. mesothelioma treatments is the most common method of treatment for mesothelioma, and is usually employed in combination with other treatments. Patients with mesothelioma should be aware of the adverse effects that chemotherapy drugs may cause, ranging from nausea and hair loss to nausea and fatigue. It's important to keep your doctor updated regarding any new prescription medication you're taking and any herbs, supplements or vitamins you're taking.
When you are deciding on a course of treatment, it's essential to talk with your doctor about your goals. Many patients find that their mesothelioma treatment extends their lives well beyond their original prognosis. Pleural mesothelioma patients have lasted for a long time after undergoing EPP, which is a radical surgery to remove the affected lung. Others have lived for more than 10 years after receiving the cytoreduction procedure and HIPEC. This procedure removes as many cancerous tissues as possible.
Symptom Management
The most common treatment for mesothelioma consists of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. The choice of treatments depends on a variety of factors that include the stage (extent) of the cancer, whether it's not resectable, and the patient's general health and preferences. Some patients with mesothelioma could decide to participate in clinical trials that evaluate new treatment options or doses of existing ones.
A lot of people with pleural asbestosis report chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. In addition, they may suffer from other symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating or fatigue. These symptoms result from the accumulation of fluid within the pleura. This can press against the chest and block airflow. Often, doctors can relieve these symptoms by prescribing medications.
A doctor will evaluate patients who are suspected of having mesothelioma and order imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. They may also conduct blood and urine tests to determine whether the patient has certain proteins related to mesothelioma. They can also have the procedure called thoracentesis or paracentesis to remove the sample of fluid from the lungs. In some instances they may also take the fluid out using the procedure known as pleurodesis or decortication.
A doctor might order additional tests to determine the extent of the disease. They will assign the mesothelioma a stage in accordance with the results of these tests. A lower number indicates that the mesothelioma has been localized around the lungs. A higher number means that it has been spreading.
Many patients with mesothelioma are able to improve their quality-of-life by making lifestyle modifications. Patients can ensure they eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. They can also consider non-pharmacological ways to control their symptoms, such as physical therapy and massage. Some patients with mesothelioma have discovered that acupuncture can be beneficial in managing their pain. A support group can help patients navigate their treatment and recovery. They can assist a patient in preparing meals, transportation, and other tasks. They can also offer emotional assistance.