Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. It is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs, but can also be found in the lining of the abdomen and heart. Unfortunately, once a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the prognosis is often poor.
However, thanks to advances in medical research and treatment, there is hope for those with mesothelioma. In recent years, researchers have discovered new treatments and therapies that can help fight the cancer and extend the patient’s life.
Surgery is one of the main treatments used to fight mesothelioma. It involves removing the tumors and any cancerous tissue. Depending on the stage and type of mesothelioma, the surgeon may remove part of the lung or the entire lung. This type of surgery can be very effective in treating mesothelioma, but it can be very risky.
In addition to surgery, chemotherapy is often used to treat mesothelioma. Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill the cancer cells and shrink the tumors. The drugs can be given orally or intravenously. The side effects of chemotherapy can be severe, but the treatment can be very successful in fighting the cancer.
Radiation therapy is another option for treating mesothelioma. This type of treatment involves exposing the cancerous cells to high levels of radiation in order to kill them. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy can be very successful, but it comes with some severe side effects.
New treatments are also being developed for mesothelioma. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer. Drugs called checkpoint inhibitors are used to boost the immune system and help it recognize and attack the cancer cells. This type of treatment is still in the early stages of development, but it has shown promise in treating mesothelioma.
In addition to these treatments, there are also clinical trials for mesothelioma that are investigating new therapies and drug combinations. These trials can provide valuable insight into the treatment of mesothelioma and may lead to new treatments in the future.
Although mesothelioma is a serious and life-threatening disease, there is hope for those who are diagnosed. With advances in medical research and treatments, there are options for those with mesothelioma that can help them fight the cancer and extend their life.