Mesothelioma treatment is a complex and extensive process that requires patience and understanding. To learn more about mesothelioma, we have come up with this article where we have discussed the different types of mesothelioma treatment available.
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| Mesothelioma |
When you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it can feel like the world is coming to an end. The good news is that the outlook for people with this cancer is much better than it used to be, and treatment has come very far in the last few decades. There are several different types of treatment, as well as multiple treatment options within each type. What is mesothelioma? It’s a rare form of cancer that begins when cells called mesothelial cells begin growing abnormally. These cells normally line various cavities in the body and serve as a protective barrier against injury, infection and fluids. These cancerous versions of these cells grow and spread rapidly into other organs or tissues nearby. Read on to learn more about mesothelioma treatment options so you can make informed decisions about what’s best for you.
Surgery
Surgery is one of the most common mesothelioma treatments. It is used to remove the tumor and surrounding lung tissue if it has spread. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation. When surgery is being considered, doctors will need to do a careful examination of the tissue to see how far the cancer has spread. They will also need to take into account your overall health and age, as well as other medical conditions that may affect your ability to undergo surgery. Surgery comes with certain risks and side effects, so it is important to discuss these with your healthcare team before deciding to go this route.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other types of treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to have a toxic affect on both normal cells in your body as well as cancer cells. Most people having chemotherapy will experience some side effects, though they can vary in severity depending on the drug(s) used and your individual response. Cancer cells can develop resistance to drugs over time, so the type and dosage of chemotherapy drugs used must be carefully considered. After your treatments are finished, your doctor will perform regular follow-up tests to check on the effectiveness of the chemotherapy and monitor for any new cancer growth.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of photons or electrons to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other types of treatment. Radiation therapy can be applied directly to the tumor or be directed at the entire body. Radiation therapy can also be delivered from outside the body using a special machine that focuses and directs the high-energy beams of photons or electrons. Either type of radiation therapy comes with certain risks and side effects, so it is important to discuss these with your healthcare team before deciding to go this route.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the patient’s own body to fight the cancer. It uses substances, such as proteins or man-made antibodies, to stimulate a person’s immune system to fight the cancerous cells. Immunotherapy drugs work to increase the ability of the patient’s immune system to kill cancer cells and stop the growth of new cells. Because they work by increasing the body’s own ability to fight the cancer, they don’t cause the harmful side effects often seen with chemotherapy or radiation. Immunotherapy is often used as an addition to other types of treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Studies have shown that adding immunotherapy to other treatments may help kill more cancer cells, which could lead to a better outcome for patients.
Different types of treatment
There are many different types of treatment options for mesothelioma, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for mesothelioma. Your treatment plan will depend on many factors, including the stage of the disease and your overall health. Be sure to discuss the pros and cons of all available treatment options with your doctor so you can make an informed decision.
Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to stay in close contact with your doctor to discuss your treatment options. Your doctor has vast knowledge and experience treating patients with mesothelioma, and he or she will be able to give you the best advice based on your particular situation. There are many different types of treatment options for mesothelioma. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy are just a few examples of the types of treatment that may be used to fight this disease. Keep in mind that mesothelioma is a very serious cancer, but it can be treated. There are many treatment options available, and many of them can be done on an outpatient basis. As long as you work closely with your doctor and follow the recommended treatment plan, you can continue living a happy and healthy life.
Yes it can feel like the world is coming to an end.
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