A form of cancer, mesothelioma can cause very serious effects. Doctors aren’t sure what causes this cancer but believe it results from a combination of genetic factors, environmental concerns, health status, and lifestyle. Here’s what you should know about mesothelioma treatment if you or a loved one experiences the condition.
Mesothelioma affects a specific type of tissue found within internal organs. This cancer can impact different parts of the body, including:
For many people, mesothelioma is not discovered until the cancer is in the later stages. As a result, finding an effective treatment can be challenging.
What Medications Are Used to Treat Mesothelioma?
Certain drugs have proven effective at treating this form of cancer, including:
People with mesothelioma may be prescribed chemotherapy drugs to treat the illness. These drugs contain certain chemicals that target cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading. Immunotherapy is another option when treating mesothelioma, and this treatment elicits an immune system response to attack cancer cells.
Not everyone experiences success with these therapies. And in some cases, doctors may combine these treatments with others to have the biggest therapeutic impact.
Different types of surgeries can benefit patients with mesothelioma. Along with surgeries to remove tumours, surgeons can also remove tissue from around the lungs to ease symptoms. With fluid accumulation, it’s possible to drain fluids to improve lung function. It may also be necessary to completely remove a lung depending on the severity of the condition.
Radiation therapy is another option for treating mesothelioma. Radiation therapy may be combined with surgery, or it can be administered on its own.