Mesothelioma Treatment Options
The range of mesothelioma treatment options has gotten broader in the past decade, but an individual who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma must learn about the treatment options most appropriate for his or her unique case from the physician(s) providing medical care. The description here is merely a primer providing very basic information. Many factors affect an individual's treatment options, including:
- whether the mesothelioma is in the lungs, the chest cavity, or the heart tissue
- the stage of the cancer
- the patient's strength/energy/immunity levels
Traditional Mesothelioma Treatment Options
There are four "traditional" cancer and mesothelioma treatment options:
- surgery — to cut away tumor tissue
- chemotherapy — drugs administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells
- radiation therapy — targeting tumor cells
- various combinations of the above treatments
These mesothelioma treatment options are often helpful and effective, and for some patients, they provide a cure. However, the prognosis for most mesothelioma patients is poor, and the life expectancy is not long. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is understandably devastating, but a patient and his or her family are not without options.
New Mesothelioma Treatment Options
There are several "new" mesothelioma treatment options available in most parts of the U.S., including:
- Alimta — an FDA-approved drug for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma
- biologic therapy — using the immune system to fight the tumor
- photodynamic therapy — using light to kill cancer cells
Learn More about Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma — or if your loved one received a mesothelioma diagnosis — there is much to learn and think about, including mesothelioma treatment options. Every patient's case in unique and the best place to start learning about treatment options is the patient's treating physician.
Concerns about the cause of the mesothelioma (which is nearly always exposure to asbestos) can be taken up with a law firm. Contact the Mesothelioma Treatment Center today to schedule a free consultation with an asbestos/mesothelioma attorney in your area today for legal guidance. An experienced attorney for mesothelioma patients will help you determine the cause of the mesothelioma and will fight to recover compensation for your losses.
