Mesothelioma Treatment Options and Early Detection
When you go to see your doctor complaining of a health problem, there are many things that you want them to say is wrong with you. The one thing you never want to hear come out of their mouth is that you have mesothelioma cancer. If your physician has told you that you have this disease, and you are researching the various mesothelioma treatment options presently available, you might find the following information beneficial.
Why Do People Get Mesothelioma?
Most, if not all people that come down with a serious disease, want to know why they were among the unlucky ones who caught it. If you get lung cancer, for example, and you are a smoker, you already know the answer. If you have mesothelioma, you might know why you got it, but it is one of the very few diseases that doctors know exactly what causes it.
People can only get mesothelioma cancer one way: by coming in contact with a very toxic material named asbestos. People have been using asbestos for over 4,500 years. It was not until the 1930s that the first research started showing that it was harmful. Unfortunately, early studies by asbestos suppliers were not released to the public, as they continued selling asbestos for profit, despite knowing its dangers.
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis
If your cancer is in stage III of its development, there are very few treatment options that may save your life. However, if caught early, there is a small chance the cancer could be completely removed. The problem with this form of cancer is that it is so rare, general practitioners often do not suspect it during initial examinations, even if symptoms perfectly match.
Common Mesothelioma Treatment Options
The following are some widely used mesothelioma treatment options:
| Treatment Option | Description | Effectiveness | Best Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Removal of tumors from the affected area. | Moderate to High | Early-stage |
| Chemotherapy | Use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop growth. | Moderate | All stages |
| Radiation Therapy | High-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. | Low to Moderate | Localized tumors |
| Palliative Care | Focus on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. | Supportive | All stages |
Factors Affecting Treatment Decisions
Your doctor, in conjunction with you, will decide which treatment path to follow based on factors such as how far the disease has progressed, the size of the tumor, your overall health, and the likelihood that a treatment could be successful. Unfortunately, no mesothelioma treatment option is currently 100% successful. Early detection remains the most critical factor for survival.
Reliable Sources and Support
- National Cancer Institute – Mesothelioma Treatment
- CDC – Mesothelioma Overview
- Asbestos.com – Mesothelioma Information & Support
- American Cancer Society – Mesothelioma
- Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions (FQA)
What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos fibers. These fibers can be inhaled or ingested and may lead to cancer over decades.
Can mesothelioma be cured?
There is no guaranteed cure. Early detection and treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can improve outcomes.
How quickly should treatment begin after diagnosis?
Treatment should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis to maximize the chance of survival.
Where can I get professional support for mesothelioma?
Patients can find reliable information and support through organizations like the National Cancer Institute, CDC, Asbestos.com, and the American Cancer Society.
