Mesothelioma Treatment Options
By Theodore Michaels
Mesothelioma is very similar to other cancers in respect to treatment. Mesothelioma patients have three treatment options available to them: chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. These treatments are typically performed in conjunction with one another to ensure the most effective treatment. Let’s start off with surgery. Surgery can be performed on mesothelioma patients to either enchance their quality of life or attempt to cure their illness.
The most common procedure performed is known as a plurectomy. During a plurectomy, the patient’s chest lining is removed. A similar procedure known as a extra pleural pneumonectomy involves the removal of inner-chest lining, the pericardium, hemi-diaphragm and the lining of the lung. Surgery alone cannot typically cure mesothelioma. However, when surgery is combined with post-operative treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, chances of survival are greatly improved.
Now, let’s move on to chemotherapy treatment. It is important to understand that chemotherapy, like surgery, cannot alone treat mesothelioma. Chemotherapy is typically administered with pills or injected. Mesothelioma patients usually have the drugs injected into the area where the disease is located. These two drugs typically given to patients are known as Pemetrexed and Cisplatin. These drugs have been known to trigger unfavorable side affects including nausea and vomiting. This is a major reason why many people opt to not receive chemotherapy treatment.
The last treatment available today is radiation. Radiation is a good choice for patients who are unable to handle chemotherapy and surgery. Radiation, like the previous two treatments cannot alone eradicate mesothelioma. Radiation is more of a palliative treatment that reduces the symptoms of mesothelioma. Most patients undergo external beam radiation that is administered for several weeks. For maximum benefit, it would be very wise for some patients to undergo all three of these treatments in hope of a recovery. Alone, these remedies only serve to ease the lifestyle of the patient. When combined, these treatments can potentially eliminate the cancer.
A professional writer with an active interest in Mesothelioma Cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theodore_Michaels
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Early Diagnosis Is Critical For Effective Treatment of Mesothelioma by: David Arnold Livingston
Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases nowadays. It doesn’t choose its victims. Men and women alike, old and young die of cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, specifically the Pleura (membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the Peritoneum (membrane surrounding the abdomen). Both Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneum Mesothelioma are primarily caused by the inhalation or exposure to asbestos, an incombustible fibrous mineral of impure magnesium silicate used in various industrial products. About 30 to 50 per cent of the total Mesothelioma cancer patients had not been exposed to asbestos, yet they have acquired the disease. Cancer specialists continue to study this rare kind of cancer so as to provide the public clear and exact information with regard to its cause, nature and cure.
Like many other forms of cancer, Mesothelioma has different stages. The earliest stage is still curable since only one layer of the pleura is affected. Surgery is the number one option for patients with Stage I Mesothelioma. The doctor removes the part of the lining of the lungs or chest (in case of Pleural Mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdomen (in case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma). In Stage II Mesothelioma, surgery can still be executed although some lymph nodes may have already been infected by the malignant Mesothelioma cancer cells. The diaphragm may also be removed; in severe cases, the Mesothelioma patient has to sacrifice one of his lungs.
Usually, surgery comes with systemic treatments, which include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Through radiotherapy, Mesothelioma cancer cells are killed; however, only the cells in the treated area die. High energy rays used in radiotherapy or radiation therapy may either come from an external machine or from thin plastic tubes positioned into the tissues where Mesothelioma cancer-stricken cells are found. Inside the plastic tubes are radiation-emitting materials that kill the malignant cells. The use of an external machine is called external radiation therapy while the other is called internal radiation therapy. Also, a radioactive substance such as radiolabeled monoclonal antibody is circulated around the body during radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill the malignant cells. In treating Mesothelioma, the anti-cancer drugs are usually given to the patient through intravenous injection (within the vein). Oncologists are still studying the possibility of treating Mesothelioma through intracavitary chemotherapy (within the chest or abdomen). Some Mesothelioma patients also undergo Photodynamic therapy, a kind of cancer therapy that combines the use of drug (photosensitizer) with a specific kind of light. The photosensitizing agent when exposed to the light produce oxygen that destroys nearby malignant cancer cells. The drug is injected into the bloodstream and is absorbed by the cells.
In order to relieve the symptoms of Mesothelioma such as the pain in the chest or abdomen due to the build up of fluid, a physician drains the fluid by using a needle. The procedure is known as thoracentesis (removal of fluid in the chest) or paracentesis (removal of the fluid in the abdomen). To prevent further accumulation of the lubricating fluid in the membranes of the chest or abdomen, drugs are given through a tube in the affected organ.
Although the said treatments to Mesothelioma have been proven effective, chance of recovery and survival still depends on the size or extent of the cancer. Chances are higher when Mesothelioma is still in its early stages. Surgery is only advisable only up to the second stage of the Mesothelioma cancer wherein only one part or smaller portions of the membranes are affected. A patient diagnosed with stage IV Mesothelioma (diffuse Mesothelioma) has only about 4-24 months to live. Furthermore, the age of the patient and his general health condition is also crucial to his recovery. Older patients do not respond well to certain cancer treatments such as surgery because their tissues, organs and other body parts are more delicate.
About The Author
David Arnold Livingston is passionate about Health and suggests you visit, as a resource: http://www.newmesothelioma.com/.
Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases nowadays. It doesn’t choose its victims. Men and women alike, old and young die of cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, specifically the Pleura (membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the Peritoneum (membrane surrounding the abdomen). Both Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneum Mesothelioma are primarily caused by the inhalation or exposure to asbestos, an incombustible fibrous mineral of impure magnesium silicate used in various industrial products. About 30 to 50 per cent of the total Mesothelioma cancer patients had not been exposed to asbestos, yet they have acquired the disease. Cancer specialists continue to study this rare kind of cancer so as to provide the public clear and exact information with regard to its cause, nature and cure.
Like many other forms of cancer, Mesothelioma has different stages. The earliest stage is still curable since only one layer of the pleura is affected. Surgery is the number one option for patients with Stage I Mesothelioma. The doctor removes the part of the lining of the lungs or chest (in case of Pleural Mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdomen (in case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma). In Stage II Mesothelioma, surgery can still be executed although some lymph nodes may have already been infected by the malignant Mesothelioma cancer cells. The diaphragm may also be removed; in severe cases, the Mesothelioma patient has to sacrifice one of his lungs.
Usually, surgery comes with systemic treatments, which include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Through radiotherapy, Mesothelioma cancer cells are killed; however, only the cells in the treated area die. High energy rays used in radiotherapy or radiation therapy may either come from an external machine or from thin plastic tubes positioned into the tissues where Mesothelioma cancer-stricken cells are found. Inside the plastic tubes are radiation-emitting materials that kill the malignant cells. The use of an external machine is called external radiation therapy while the other is called internal radiation therapy. Also, a radioactive substance such as radiolabeled monoclonal antibody is circulated around the body during radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill the malignant cells. In treating Mesothelioma, the anti-cancer drugs are usually given to the patient through intravenous injection (within the vein). Oncologists are still studying the possibility of treating Mesothelioma through intracavitary chemotherapy (within the chest or abdomen). Some Mesothelioma patients also undergo Photodynamic therapy, a kind of cancer therapy that combines the use of drug (photosensitizer) with a specific kind of light. The photosensitizing agent when exposed to the light produce oxygen that destroys nearby malignant cancer cells. The drug is injected into the bloodstream and is absorbed by the cells.
In order to relieve the symptoms of Mesothelioma such as the pain in the chest or abdomen due to the build up of fluid, a physician drains the fluid by using a needle. The procedure is known as thoracentesis (removal of fluid in the chest) or paracentesis (removal of the fluid in the abdomen). To prevent further accumulation of the lubricating fluid in the membranes of the chest or abdomen, drugs are given through a tube in the affected organ.
Although the said treatments to Mesothelioma have been proven effective, chance of recovery and survival still depends on the size or extent of the cancer. Chances are higher when Mesothelioma is still in its early stages. Surgery is only advisable only up to the second stage of the Mesothelioma cancer wherein only one part or smaller portions of the membranes are affected. A patient diagnosed with stage IV Mesothelioma (diffuse Mesothelioma) has only about 4-24 months to live. Furthermore, the age of the patient and his general health condition is also crucial to his recovery. Older patients do not respond well to certain cancer treatments such as surgery because their tissues, organs and other body parts are more delicate.
About The Author
David Arnold Livingston is passionate about Health and suggests you visit, as a resource: http://www.newmesothelioma.com/.
Mesothelioma - Treatment ProcedureBy Roberta Groche
There is no right or wrong treatment for mesothelioma since each case is considered individually. Treatment chosen for the patient will depend on various diagnostic tools such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, biopsies etc. Cancer treatment basically focuses upon eliminating the malignant cells and preserving the healthy ones. Presently three major options are available for the patients. They include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
The course of treatment will depend upon the type of mesothelioma and location of tumor, the size of tumor, the degree to which the cancer has spread, the age of the patient, his overall health etc. A team of specialists would be involved in the treatment of the disease like an oncologist (cancer specialist), pulmonologist (lung specialist), radiologist etc.
Surgery can be performed on mesothelioma patients either with the aim of curing it or for keeping the patient more comfortable and improving the quality of life. Mostly, curative surgery is not an option since the disease is diagnosed at a later stage. Radiation is often recommended for patients whose health is too weak for surgery. It has lesser side effects than chemotherapy and is easier to tolerate. There are different types of radiation therapy available. External beam radiation is the type of radiation which comes from a machine outside the body and is aimed toward affected areas. Brachytherapy is the kind of radiation, where radioactive material is placed directly inside the lung or abdomen.
Chemotherapy provides relief from the horrible symptoms of the disease. May be in future days it would help in prolonging the life of the patients. It is given in the form of pill or injected. Two drugs are often combined for better results. Also other drugs are administered to overcome the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy. Some patients find the side effects too difficult to bear that they decide not to undergo the therapy.
Clinical trials are the study of new treatments for a particular disease. These promising trials need patients who are ready to try them before they get the approval of the FDA. How ever the pros and cons of the trial should be considered carefully before getting ready to undergo them. Patients can talk to their doctors in detail before taking the final decision to participate.
Apart from conventional treatments Alternative Therapies are recommended for the patients. They include potential treatment of the disease or the symptoms. They may include the use of vitamins or herbs. The patients can also participate in therapies like acupuncture, massage or hypnosis.
Researchers are trying hard to find a cure for this malignant cancer. Combination treatments have been successful in increasing the life span of the patients. The development of technology also offers new hope to the hapless victims of mesothelioma. How ever treatment may vary from person to person.
If you are looking for the information regarding Mesothelioma Treatment then feel free to visit Pleural Mesothelioma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberta_Groche
There is no right or wrong treatment for mesothelioma since each case is considered individually. Treatment chosen for the patient will depend on various diagnostic tools such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, biopsies etc. Cancer treatment basically focuses upon eliminating the malignant cells and preserving the healthy ones. Presently three major options are available for the patients. They include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
The course of treatment will depend upon the type of mesothelioma and location of tumor, the size of tumor, the degree to which the cancer has spread, the age of the patient, his overall health etc. A team of specialists would be involved in the treatment of the disease like an oncologist (cancer specialist), pulmonologist (lung specialist), radiologist etc.
Surgery can be performed on mesothelioma patients either with the aim of curing it or for keeping the patient more comfortable and improving the quality of life. Mostly, curative surgery is not an option since the disease is diagnosed at a later stage. Radiation is often recommended for patients whose health is too weak for surgery. It has lesser side effects than chemotherapy and is easier to tolerate. There are different types of radiation therapy available. External beam radiation is the type of radiation which comes from a machine outside the body and is aimed toward affected areas. Brachytherapy is the kind of radiation, where radioactive material is placed directly inside the lung or abdomen.
Chemotherapy provides relief from the horrible symptoms of the disease. May be in future days it would help in prolonging the life of the patients. It is given in the form of pill or injected. Two drugs are often combined for better results. Also other drugs are administered to overcome the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy. Some patients find the side effects too difficult to bear that they decide not to undergo the therapy.
Clinical trials are the study of new treatments for a particular disease. These promising trials need patients who are ready to try them before they get the approval of the FDA. How ever the pros and cons of the trial should be considered carefully before getting ready to undergo them. Patients can talk to their doctors in detail before taking the final decision to participate.
Apart from conventional treatments Alternative Therapies are recommended for the patients. They include potential treatment of the disease or the symptoms. They may include the use of vitamins or herbs. The patients can also participate in therapies like acupuncture, massage or hypnosis.
Researchers are trying hard to find a cure for this malignant cancer. Combination treatments have been successful in increasing the life span of the patients. The development of technology also offers new hope to the hapless victims of mesothelioma. How ever treatment may vary from person to person.
If you are looking for the information regarding Mesothelioma Treatment then feel free to visit Pleural Mesothelioma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberta_Groche
Mesothelioma Treatment - Radiation Or RadiotherapyBy Laura Russell
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects the serous linings of various internal organs in the human body. Among them, the lungs, heart and the stomach are the mostly affected.
It is estimated that each year, 2,000 new cases of Mesothelioma are reported. The patients suffering from this cancerous disease have had prior exposure to asbestos, which is considered to be the only known cause of Mesothelioma. Mesotheliomic patients are often told of the short survival duration of 6 – 12 months. But doctors specialized in treating malignant Mesothelioma at leading cancer centers expect better survival rates. Though Mesothelioma causes immense pain and suffering to the victim along with short life expectancy, certain treatments have resulted in the successful reduction and removal of the cancerous tumors of Mesothelioma. Radiation Or Rado Therapy is one of the Mesothelioma treatments available to patients suffering from the asbestos-related cancer (Mesothelioma).
RADIATION or RADIO THERAPY: Radiation or radiotherapy is a series of localized use of high-dose radiations given to a Mesothelioma patient either externally (known as external radiotherapy) or internally (known as internal radiotherapy). It destroys the cancer cells in the targeted section of the body by means of x-rays or radioactive materials.
External Radiotherapy: In external radiotherapy, radiations are passed through a patient’s body using x-rays and/or cobalt irradiation. This type of radiotherapy is a relatively painless procedure, which is divided into several sessions. Although, it reduces the size of the tumor, the external radiotherapy also damages the normal cells. Thus, the idea to have it in sessions results the damage control of normal cells that can be repaired naturally.
Internal Radiotherapy: Internal radiotherapy is a clinical procedure that delivers higher quantity of radiations to a Mesothelioma patient than the external radiotherapy. This is usually given to those patients whose cancer is on extreme stages. In internal radiotherapy, a radioactive material is placed inside the patient’s tumor or a radioactive fluid is given to a patient through mouth or injection. The radioactive material(s) then circulates throughout the body, with the help of blood, and annihilates the cancer cells.
Radiation therapy can be administered, with or without chemotherapy, after a surgery to avoid the recurrence of Mesothelioma. Doctors may also prescribe a limited amount of radiation therapy to a patient, depending on the nature, position and stage of the cancer. Certain side effects are recorded in patients who underwent radiation therapy, which were minor and diminished once the radiation treatment was over. Consult a professional oncologist for detailed information about the side effects of Mesothelioma treatments, before undergoing radiotherapy.
Laura Russell is a professional health writer in then field of Mesothelioma Cancer. Radiation therapy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Russell
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects the serous linings of various internal organs in the human body. Among them, the lungs, heart and the stomach are the mostly affected.
It is estimated that each year, 2,000 new cases of Mesothelioma are reported. The patients suffering from this cancerous disease have had prior exposure to asbestos, which is considered to be the only known cause of Mesothelioma. Mesotheliomic patients are often told of the short survival duration of 6 – 12 months. But doctors specialized in treating malignant Mesothelioma at leading cancer centers expect better survival rates. Though Mesothelioma causes immense pain and suffering to the victim along with short life expectancy, certain treatments have resulted in the successful reduction and removal of the cancerous tumors of Mesothelioma. Radiation Or Rado Therapy is one of the Mesothelioma treatments available to patients suffering from the asbestos-related cancer (Mesothelioma).
RADIATION or RADIO THERAPY: Radiation or radiotherapy is a series of localized use of high-dose radiations given to a Mesothelioma patient either externally (known as external radiotherapy) or internally (known as internal radiotherapy). It destroys the cancer cells in the targeted section of the body by means of x-rays or radioactive materials.
External Radiotherapy: In external radiotherapy, radiations are passed through a patient’s body using x-rays and/or cobalt irradiation. This type of radiotherapy is a relatively painless procedure, which is divided into several sessions. Although, it reduces the size of the tumor, the external radiotherapy also damages the normal cells. Thus, the idea to have it in sessions results the damage control of normal cells that can be repaired naturally.
Internal Radiotherapy: Internal radiotherapy is a clinical procedure that delivers higher quantity of radiations to a Mesothelioma patient than the external radiotherapy. This is usually given to those patients whose cancer is on extreme stages. In internal radiotherapy, a radioactive material is placed inside the patient’s tumor or a radioactive fluid is given to a patient through mouth or injection. The radioactive material(s) then circulates throughout the body, with the help of blood, and annihilates the cancer cells.
Radiation therapy can be administered, with or without chemotherapy, after a surgery to avoid the recurrence of Mesothelioma. Doctors may also prescribe a limited amount of radiation therapy to a patient, depending on the nature, position and stage of the cancer. Certain side effects are recorded in patients who underwent radiation therapy, which were minor and diminished once the radiation treatment was over. Consult a professional oncologist for detailed information about the side effects of Mesothelioma treatments, before undergoing radiotherapy.
Laura Russell is a professional health writer in then field of Mesothelioma Cancer. Radiation therapy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Russell
Mesothelioma Treatment - SurgeryBy Laura Russell
Surgery is an important step in confirming and knowing the nature of the cancer. It can be conducted on patients with the combination of adjuvant chemotherapies and radiations, before and after the surgery.
Pleurectomy:The most common surgery for Mesothelioma treatment is pleurectomy, in which doctors open the patient's chest and remove the excessive fluid or tumor from the lining of the lungs (pleura). Although this procedure controls the accumulation of fluid and decreases pain, it still is not a cure. On the other hand, if the tumor is in its initial form and has not extensively grown, a pleurectomy can increase the survival rate of a patient when combined with chemotherapy and radiation. Additionally, a pleurectomy can be performed on patients with less-approving health conditions and has lower mortality rate than the extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP):Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is an invasive and severe form of surgery conducted on patients with Mesothelioma. In this treatment, parts of the lungs, the pleura (the lining of the lung), the pericardium (lining of the heart) and the hemi-diaphragm, along with the tumor cells, are removed. It decreases the progression of Mesothelioma, while allowing a patient to breathe smoothly. It is usually conducted on patients with early stages of the cancer and when the tumor is in chest cavity. EPP is recommended for patients with good heart and lungs conditions, in order to endure the severities of the post-operative term. Though the surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation gives promising results, it does not guarantee a cure. Researches have shown that patients treated with extrapleural pneumonectomy and therapies have a medium life span of 35 months after the surgery, compared to only 9 months of pleurectomy. Still, some doctors question the surgery for its high risks, which include internal bleeding, blood clotting, pneumonia, amassing of pus, respiratory failure and even death. Thus, many surgeons recommend the idea of pleurectomy instead of the technically complicated EPP.
Thoracentesis:A minor surgery is often conducted on patients who cannot undergo EPP or pleurectomy, called thoracentesis. In thoracentesis, a thoracic surgeon inserts a needle into a patient's chest to remove the excessive fluid built up in the lining of the lungs (pleura). This method neither cures nor decreases the cancer, but rather alleviate the painful symptoms of Mesothelioma. In some cases, talc or other agents are infused into a patient's chests to scar the chest wall and help them breathe properly without letting the tumor to increase, to some extent.
Paracentesis:Paracentesis is a similar method of using a needle to extract fluid, but from the abdominal section of the body. It follows the same procedure of extracting fluid from the lining of the stomach or other abdominal organs. Patients with peritoneal Mesothelioma can benefit from paracentesis surgery.
Laura Russell is a professional health writer having expertise in the field of Mesothelioma Cancer
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Russell
Surgery is an important step in confirming and knowing the nature of the cancer. It can be conducted on patients with the combination of adjuvant chemotherapies and radiations, before and after the surgery.
Pleurectomy:The most common surgery for Mesothelioma treatment is pleurectomy, in which doctors open the patient's chest and remove the excessive fluid or tumor from the lining of the lungs (pleura). Although this procedure controls the accumulation of fluid and decreases pain, it still is not a cure. On the other hand, if the tumor is in its initial form and has not extensively grown, a pleurectomy can increase the survival rate of a patient when combined with chemotherapy and radiation. Additionally, a pleurectomy can be performed on patients with less-approving health conditions and has lower mortality rate than the extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP):Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is an invasive and severe form of surgery conducted on patients with Mesothelioma. In this treatment, parts of the lungs, the pleura (the lining of the lung), the pericardium (lining of the heart) and the hemi-diaphragm, along with the tumor cells, are removed. It decreases the progression of Mesothelioma, while allowing a patient to breathe smoothly. It is usually conducted on patients with early stages of the cancer and when the tumor is in chest cavity. EPP is recommended for patients with good heart and lungs conditions, in order to endure the severities of the post-operative term. Though the surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation gives promising results, it does not guarantee a cure. Researches have shown that patients treated with extrapleural pneumonectomy and therapies have a medium life span of 35 months after the surgery, compared to only 9 months of pleurectomy. Still, some doctors question the surgery for its high risks, which include internal bleeding, blood clotting, pneumonia, amassing of pus, respiratory failure and even death. Thus, many surgeons recommend the idea of pleurectomy instead of the technically complicated EPP.
Thoracentesis:A minor surgery is often conducted on patients who cannot undergo EPP or pleurectomy, called thoracentesis. In thoracentesis, a thoracic surgeon inserts a needle into a patient's chest to remove the excessive fluid built up in the lining of the lungs (pleura). This method neither cures nor decreases the cancer, but rather alleviate the painful symptoms of Mesothelioma. In some cases, talc or other agents are infused into a patient's chests to scar the chest wall and help them breathe properly without letting the tumor to increase, to some extent.
Paracentesis:Paracentesis is a similar method of using a needle to extract fluid, but from the abdominal section of the body. It follows the same procedure of extracting fluid from the lining of the stomach or other abdominal organs. Patients with peritoneal Mesothelioma can benefit from paracentesis surgery.
Laura Russell is a professional health writer having expertise in the field of Mesothelioma Cancer
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Russell
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