Mesothelioma is
a rare cancer of the linings of lungs and abdominal area caused by exposure to
asbestos fibers. It takes 30–40 years for this cancer to appear after the
asbestos exposure.
It is important
to treat this cancer in the early stages otherwise it proves fatal.
Here are some pictures of mesothelioma cancer
Modes Of Treating
mesothelioma
There are various modes of
treating mesothelioma but the three main conventional most commonly used mode of
treatment are: Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy.
1.Surgery There are three types of surgeries for mesothelioma
treatments but two are the main types for treating the tumor while the third
types of surgery are used mainly for diagnostic purposes, The two main types
are: Aggressive Surgery and Palliative Surgical Procedures. Before performing
any surgery, it is necessary to check whether the heart and lungs are
functioning properly. Aggressive surgery, also known as Pneumonectomy, is a
complicated surgery performed on younger patients, who are good in health and
can bear the surgery. Pneumonectomy involves the removal of extra pleural
membrane and one lung. The main purpose of this mesothelioma treatment is to
physically remove as much tumor as possible. Palliative procedures of
mesothelioma treatment are known as Pleurectomy. It is done in the early stages
of cancer. This process of mesothelioma treatment involves surgical removal of
pleura. However, the procedures are involved to lessen and control the symptoms
rather than to cure the disease. This surgery reduces the pain caused by the
tumor mass and helps in preventing the recurrence of pleural effusion. Complete
removal of tumor is not possible with this procedure.
2.Chemotherapy This a mesothelioma treatment method that makes
combined use of anti cancer drugs to shrink and kill the tumor cells. Though
some patients show only partial success to this method, some combinations of
chemotherapy drugs have proved successful. Scientists have developed some new
chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma treatments. Examples of commonly used
chemotherapy drugs are Alimta and Cisplatin.
3.Radiation
therapy
This
mesothelioma treatment method makes use of nuclear radiations to kill the
malignant cells and shrink the tumor. However, radiation therapy is an extremely
difficult procedure. It can damage the healthy cells of heart, lungs, and other
vital organs surrounded by radiation dosage. Dual therapy includes chemotherapy
and radiation therapy along with the combination of surgery. This combination
helps in killing any remaining tumor cells left after surgery and in relieving
symptoms such as pain. Mesothelioma
treatments can be very expensive. However the patients suffering from
mesothelioma and other asbestos based diseases can file lawsuits for recovering
damages medical expenses, loss of income, lost earning capacity, pain and
sufferings. The mesothelioma victims can take help of expert asbestos attorneys
to locate the defendants- persons/companies responsible for causing asbestos
exposure. Mesothelioma victims need to
learn about mesothelioma and treatment options and look for adequate information
to enable them cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis better.
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