Mesothelioma treatment options are used for improving the sufferer's survival rate, alleviating the symptoms or enhancing the quality of life. Because most of the time this cancer form is diagnosed at its later stages, these solutions usually end up as palliative in nature. Often a multimodal method is employed, meaning different approaches are used together.
After the diagnosis is made, a management plan is discussed by an oncologist. There are certain factors which will dictate the options available. The cancer's location will determine its type and the best solution for it. The most common of all forms of this cancer is one which affects the pleura, the lung's protective membrane.
The degree the cancer has spread and the tumor's size are important considerations. Although it's earlier said that a multimodal approach is prescribed, sometimes not all options are utilized. That's because it will also depend on the patient's age and general physical health, to make sure that the methods suggested will be tolerated well.
Surgery is an option for curing the disease. But oftentimes it ends up as palliative in nature, especially that the disease is usually diagnosed during the last few stages. With such being the case, the surgeon will remove the collected fluid in the pleural cavity. Sometimes the removal of the pleura itself is also done.
Chemotherapy is another option available. Although this is effective in getting rid of symptoms, it won't completely provide cure. With other cancer types, chemotherapy drugs may by administered through injection or orally. But this time around, it's administered intravenously. A combination of chemotherapy drugs is often prescribed for best results.
Radiation therapy is another mesothelioma treatment option for relieving the symptoms. The great thing about this is it produces fewer side effects than chemotherapy, so more sufferers tolerate it better. The usual method employed is application of external radiation, although there are instances wherein a radioactive material is placed inside the body.
After the diagnosis is made, a management plan is discussed by an oncologist. There are certain factors which will dictate the options available. The cancer's location will determine its type and the best solution for it. The most common of all forms of this cancer is one which affects the pleura, the lung's protective membrane.
The degree the cancer has spread and the tumor's size are important considerations. Although it's earlier said that a multimodal approach is prescribed, sometimes not all options are utilized. That's because it will also depend on the patient's age and general physical health, to make sure that the methods suggested will be tolerated well.
Surgery is an option for curing the disease. But oftentimes it ends up as palliative in nature, especially that the disease is usually diagnosed during the last few stages. With such being the case, the surgeon will remove the collected fluid in the pleural cavity. Sometimes the removal of the pleura itself is also done.
Chemotherapy is another option available. Although this is effective in getting rid of symptoms, it won't completely provide cure. With other cancer types, chemotherapy drugs may by administered through injection or orally. But this time around, it's administered intravenously. A combination of chemotherapy drugs is often prescribed for best results.
Radiation therapy is another mesothelioma treatment option for relieving the symptoms. The great thing about this is it produces fewer side effects than chemotherapy, so more sufferers tolerate it better. The usual method employed is application of external radiation, although there are instances wherein a radioactive material is placed inside the body.
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