Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops within the thin membrane that encloses the majority of the internal organs known as mesothelium. The most common malignant Mesothelioma is the pleural (lung) mesothelioma, which is directly linked to excessive asbestos exposure such as in those who have or had a career in earlier construction days, air conditioning and heating, insulation installers, and other careers involving the handling of asbestos materials.   Mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as an alternative condition, such as, traditional lung cancer.

Treatment Considerations

There are many factors that contribute in the success of the treatment of malignant mesthelioma like age of individual, location of the cancer, and stage of the cancer upon diagnosis and treatment. Like most cancers, the early removal of the lesion may lend a better prognosis. Unfortunately, malignant mesothelioma are usually discovered in the late stage and is difficult to treat or untreatable at its worst.

Surgery

Surgical option is a mainstay in mesothelioma therapy when early cancer growth may be removed entirely. Late stages and widespread disease may benefit from surgical debulking procedures to reduce symptomatic complains and discomforts of the affected individual. Surgical debulking may help direct surgeons to cancerous lesions and exposes them more for radiation therapy. The surgical drainage of pleural fluids may improve the symptoms of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) in pleural mesothelioma. Drugs may be introduced in the drain or catheter to stop recurrence, in a process called pleuorodesis.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the progressive use of chemicals to fight cancer cells in mesothelioma. Individuals may benefit from pre-surgical chemotherapy (neo-adjuvant) to make the surgery easier, or post-surgical chemotherapy (adjuvant) to prevent recurrence of cancer cells.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy makes use of radiation like x-ray to relieve symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is often used after biopsy or surgery in mesothelioma to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Your Health Access Alert

A highly selective group of attorneys have assisted in setting up and/or contributing toward funding for foundations and clinical trials to support efforts for enhanced detection and treatment for mesothelioma. Select attorneys may be able to assist in leading people with mesothelioma to the right physicians, if all else fails.  

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.