Before we can start discussing about mesothelioma treatment options it is vital for us to have a clear understanding of what mesothelioma really is. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the linings of lungs and abdominal area caused mainly by exposure to asbestos fibers over an extended period. It would normally take a long time, anywhere between 30-40 years for mesothelioma to rear up from the time of exposure to asbestos. It is critical to catch this disease early and to treat it in the early stages otherwise it will mostly likely prove to be fatal. There are various mesothelioma treatment options available such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery
There are basically two types of surgeries available for the treatment of mesothelioma, one being aggressive surgery and the other, palliative procedures. Beforethe surgeons start performing any surgery, it is important to check if the heart and lungs are have been affected by the disease or if they functioning properly. Of the two types of surgery, aggressive surgery, which is also known as Pneumonectomy, is a very complex and invasive surgery performed mainly on younger patients, who are good in health and can better bear the strains of the surgery. Pneumonectomy involves the removal of the excess cancerous pleural membrane. The main purpose of this is to remove as much tumor as possible surgically.
The less agressive surgery, palliative procedures is also known as Pleurectomy. This procedure is done in the early stages of the mesothelioma cancer. The process of this mesothelioma treatment involves the surgical removal of the pleura. This procedure is used more to lessen and control the symptoms rather than to cure the disease itself. This surgical procedure reduces the pain caused by the cancerous tumor and helps in preventing the recurrence of pleural effusion. The complete removal of tumor is not possible with this procedure.
Chemotherapy
Another mesothelioma treatment option is chemotherapy that combines the use of a variety of drugs for controlling and shrinking the tumor. The success rate is uncertain as some patients show only partial success to this method with the cancer going into remission. However, some combinations of chemotherapy drugs have proven to be successful. With extensive research into this disease, scientists are in the process of developing new chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma treatments.
Radiation Therapy
Radiatio therapy is another option in the treatment of mesothelioma. It makes use of nuclear radiations that are targetted at the malignant cells to kill them and thus, shrink the tumor. Radiation therapy is however, an extremely difficult procedure to carry out as it can and will damage the healthy cells of the patient's heart, lungs, and other vital organs within the vacinity of the radiation dosage.
Treatment is not just confined to either or of these available treatment options. Combination therapies are also available whereby chemotherapy and radiation therapy are combined along with surgery. This combination helps in killing any remaining tumor cells left after surgery and in relieving symptoms such as pain.
Mesothelioma treatments are very expensive due to the sophisticated equipment, specialist skills required and the length of period required. However the patients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases sustained while working can file lawsuits against their employers for recovery of damages, medical expenses, loss of income, lost earning capacity and pain and sufferings. The victims of this disease can seek help of expert asbestos attorneys in locating the defendants- persons/companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure.
No comments:
Post a Comment