5 Tips for Treating Mesothelioma
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the feeling can be overwhelming. You don’t know what to do next and, in some cases, feelings of helplessness and apathy can cause you to isolate and do nothing. But it doesn’t have to be like this.
While the diagnosis is certainly daunting, you do have options. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Work With a Mesothelioma Specialist
When it comes to mesothelioma treatment, it’s important to seek out a specialist who has experience treating this rare form of cancer. Not all oncologists are familiar with mesothelioma, and because of the complexity of the disease, you need a doctor who knows the latest treatments and approaches specific to your diagnosis.
A mesothelioma specialist will be able to tailor a treatment plan that’s specific to the type of mesothelioma you have (whether it’s pleural, peritoneal, or another type), your overall health, and how advanced the disease is. They can guide you through treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, as well as clinical trials that might be available.
Specialists can also connect you with other resources, such as palliative care teams who focus on managing symptoms and improving your quality of life throughout treatment. Finding the right medical team can make all the difference, giving you access to cutting-edge therapies and ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Finally, they may know about resources that can help you offset your costs. For example, if you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, it’s possible that you could qualify for monthly payments and get access to top VA doctors.
- Consider Surgery as an Option
Surgery is often a major component of mesothelioma treatment, especially if the cancer is caught in its early stages. While not all patients are eligible for surgery, it can be an effective way to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
The type of surgery you might undergo depends on the location of the mesothelioma. For pleural mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the lungs), surgery might involve removing part of the lung or the entire lung, along with the surrounding lining. For peritoneal mesothelioma (which affects the abdomen), surgery might involve removing the tumor and parts of the affected organs.
It’s important to note that surgery is most successful when mesothelioma is diagnosed early. That’s why getting diagnosed and starting treatment as soon as possible is so crucial. If surgery is an option for you, your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits, helping you make an informed decision about how to proceed.
- Utilize Chemotherapy and Radiation
For many mesothelioma patients, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are key components of treatment. These therapies can be used to shrink tumors, reduce symptoms, and in some cases, extend survival.
Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can be used on its own or in combination with surgery or radiation. Some patients undergo chemotherapy before surgery (to shrink the tumor), while others might receive it after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is another option, particularly for pleural mesothelioma. This therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other radiation to destroy cancer cells. It’s often used in combination with surgery to kill any remaining cells in the treated area.
For patients who can’t undergo surgery, radiation may be used as a standalone treatment to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Explore Clinical Trials
If standard treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation aren’t suitable for you, or if you want to explore additional options, clinical trials may offer promising alternatives. These trials test new treatments or combinations of treatments that aren’t yet widely available but show potential for improving outcomes in mesothelioma patients.
Clinical trials are an opportunity to access cutting-edge therapies, such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, or new drugs specifically designed for mesothelioma. While participating in a trial comes with risks, it may also give you access to treatments that could extend your survival or provide symptom relief.
Your mesothelioma specialist can help you find clinical trials that are right for you and explain what participation involves. Not all patients will qualify for trials, but if you’re eligible, this can be a great way to try innovative therapies that may improve your prognosis.
- Focus on Symptom Management and Quality of Life
In addition to pursuing aggressive treatments aimed at fighting mesothelioma, you’ll want to continually focus on managing your symptoms and maintaining a good quality of life throughout the process. Palliative care is designed to help with pain management, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms that come with mesothelioma.
Even if your goal is to treat the cancer aggressively, palliative care can be a valuable addition to your overall treatment plan. It focuses on relieving symptoms and improving your comfort, which can help you feel better physically and emotionally. Many mesothelioma patients experience pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue, and palliative care specialists can provide strategies and medications to ease these symptoms.
You may also consider therapies like massage, acupuncture, and counseling to help manage stress, anxiety, and emotional health during your treatment.
Adding It All Up
No two cases of mesothelioma are identical. Your treatment and outlook will depend on dozens of unique factors and circumstances that are specific to your situation. But by being proactive and seeking out different treatment options, you can put yourself in the best position to fight the cancer.
