Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the protective lining of vital organs in the body. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a material that was widely used in the building industry until recently. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are the mainstays of mesothelioma treatment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of mesothelioma treatment, including the types of treatments available, the side effects of each, and the potential outcomes.
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat, with the average life expectancy of a patient with the disease being just one year after diagnosis. Despite the grim prognosis, there are a number of treatments available to mesothelioma patients that can improve their quality of life and extend their life expectancy.
The most important factor in determining the best course of treatment is the stage of the cancer. Mesothelioma is divided into four stages, ranging from stage I (which is the least advanced) to stage IV (which is the most advanced). The stage of the cancer will determine which treatments are most appropriate for the patient.
Surgery
Surgery is often the first line of defense for mesothelioma patients. Depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient may be a candidate for a range of different surgical procedures, such as a pleurectomy (removal of the lining of the lungs), an extrapleural pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung), or an extrapleural pneumonectomy with an additional pleurectomy (removal of the entire lung and the lining of the lungs).
Surgery is often used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or as a stand-alone treatment. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible and to reduce the size of the tumor. Surgery may also be used to relieve symptoms or to reduce the amount of fluid that has built up in the lungs.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs are administered orally or intravenously, and are designed to target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Chemotherapy is usually used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy is typically used to shrink tumors before surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. The side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, and may be used to shrink tumors before surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. The side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin irritation, and hair loss.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that specifically targets cancer cells and tries to stop them from growing and spreading. Targeted therapy works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels that supply cancer cells with nutrients. Targeted therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, and may be used to shrink tumors before surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. The side effects of targeted therapy include fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or interventions for mesothelioma. These treatments may include new drugs, new combinations of existing drugs, or other treatments such as immunotherapy or gene therapy. Clinical trials are an important part of mesothelioma treatment, as they are the only way to determine if a new treatment is safe and effective.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a challenging cancer to treat, but there are a number of treatments available to patients. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy are the mainstays of mesothelioma treatment. Clinical trials are an important part of mesothelioma treatment, as they are the only way to determine if a new treatment is safe and effective. Each treatment option has its own risks and benefits, and it is important to discuss these with your doctor in order to make the best decision for your individual situation.
Summary Table
| Treatment | Description | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Removal of cancerous tissue | Fatigue, pain, infection |
| Chemotherapy | Use of drugs to kill cancer cells | Nausea, vomiting, hair loss |
| Radiation Therapy | Use of high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells | Fatigue, skin irritation, hair loss |
| Targeted Therapy | Blocks growth of new blood vessels that supply cancer cells with nutrients | Fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea |
| Clinical Trials | Research studies that test new treatments | Unknown |
