mesothelioma information & research on mesothelioma treatment
There are many treatment options available for Mesothelioma or asbestos-caused cancer. It is important to keep these options open as you explore what might work best for you. Much depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's general health. Traditional Mesothelioma treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Surgery may be performed if the tumor is localized and can be removed or even just to remove the tumor to relieve pain and discomfort when the cancer has already spread beyond the mesothelium. If surgery is not an appropriate option then fluid in the chest, abdomen, or heart cavity may be removed with a needle to help the patient feel more comfortable.
Cancer cells can be eradicated with the use of radiation treatment for Mesothelioma. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used in addition to surgery to clear up cancer cells that were not detected or removed during surgery. Or, radiation treatment can be used to relieve the symptoms of Mesothelioma that cause great discomfort such as difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath.
Chemotherapy, or the use of anti-cancer drugs, is a conventional treatment for Mesothelioma as well. The drugs can be injected with a needle or taken in pill form. The drug then circulates throughout the body and destroys the cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs also damage many normal cells but each of the conventional therapies does have its side effects. For example, radiation may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; it can lead to something as severe as lung damage. With surgery a patient may be too ill to tolerate an extensive operation. Hence, all conventional options should be considered carefully and with the guidance of medical experts.
More information on mesothelioma treatment can be found on the American Journal of Medicine website.
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