Mesothelioma Treatments
Currently, there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma. For patients diagnosed with this aggressive disease, however, three traditional treatment options are available: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Doctors often utilize a combination of these traditional treatment methods to maximize their effectiveness; however, the treatments that are suggested vary from patient to patient due to a number of factors. For example, the stage at which the cancer was detected and the cancer's location in the body effect which treatment options will be recommended. Also, the patient's physical health, age, and personal preferences are considered when making treatment decisions.
Various surgical procedures may be performed in an attempt to remove the cancerous cells and damaged tissues.
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Chemotherapy, using any number of potent drugs, is also used in an effort to rid the body of cancerous cells.
Radiation therapy, using high energy x-rays, may also be used in order to destroy cancer cells in the body.
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In addition to these traditional treatment options, several experimental treatment options are available to patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Also, there are a number of clinical trials currently being conducted throughout the United States. Patients who have not responded to established therapies might be interested in learning more about these less conventional options.
Several palliative therapies are available to assist mesothelioma patients with pain management. |