Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that attacks the lining of internal organs. This type of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for this aggressive disease.
Diagnosis
Symptoms for mesothelioma do not appear until the disease has advanced into later stages. Unfortunately, diagnosis is too late for most treatment options.
Treatment Strategy
According to Asbestos.com, life expectancy is less than one year after diagnosis. Treatments are mostly used to control the spreading of the cancer in effort to make the individual more comfortable.
Surgery
Surgery to remove mesothelioma is only an option if the cancer is diagnosed in an early stage. In most cases, surgery is used to reduce mesothelioma symptoms like fluid buildup in the chest.
Radiation
Radiation is best used to prevent the cancer from spreading. Since mesothelioma occurs in the chest region, low doses of radiation are used to prevent damage to the internal organs like the heart.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a mixture of drugs that kill cancer cells. In most cases, this treatment option is only successful in preventing further spreading and reducing symptoms.
Combination Therapy
According to the Mayo Clinic, the combination of surgery, chemo and radiation has shown the most promise in treating mesothelioma. However, this treatment method is extremely hard on the body and is only recommended for younger, healthier and early-diagnosed individuals.
