Although there is still no known cure for mesothelioma, treatment options are available to mesothelioma patients. Sometimes, it is even possible to remove all the cancer. But, often, mesothelioma treatment aims to remove as much cancer as possible and slow cancer growth. In this article, we look at how different mesothelioma treatments work.
Surgery
According to Mayo Clinic, it is possible for surgeons to remove mesothelioma when it is diagnosed at an early stage. But it is not possible to remove all the cancer through surgery in most cases. In cases in which it is impossible to remove all the cancer, surgery is used to reduce the mesothelioma spreading in the body. Often, the goal of surgery is to reduce symptoms and suffering.
According to Mayo Clinic, surgical options include the following;
- Surgery to reduce fluid buildup. Surgeons insert a catheter or tube into a patient’s chest to drain the fluid that builds up in the chest because of pleural mesothelioma.
- Surgery to remove the tissue around the lungs. Usually, this type of surgery is aimed at relieving signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.
- Surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma. Surgery is usually used in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma to remove as much cancer as possible.
- Surgery to remove a lung and the surrounding tissue. This type of surgery can help relieve signs and symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This form of treatment works by keeping cancer cells from spreading further. Usually, a chemotherapy regimen consists of a specific number of cycles given over a certain period of time. A mesothelioma patient undergoing chemotherapy can receive one drug at a time or a combination of drugs given at the same time.
The FDA has approved several drugs and drug combinations for use in mesothelioma treatment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy x-rays or other high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. After surgery, this form of treatment can be used to kill remaining cancer cells. Also, radiation therapy can be used to reduce signs and symptoms of advanced mesothelioma in cases where surgery is not an option.
Immunotherapy
This form of treatment might be an option if other forms of treatment are not working. Usually, immunotherapy involves the use of materials made in a laboratory or in the body to restore or improve immune system function.
Targeted Therapy
Lastly, targeted therapy is a form of treatment that involves the use of drugs that attack specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells. This form of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells and limits damage to healthy cells.
Targeted therapy is not used that often. But depending on several things, your doctor may recommend you undergo this type of treatment.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can investigate and determine if you can seek compensation from negligent parties.