Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells attack the mesothelium, or protective lining that surrounds many internal organs. Since the cancer is often discovered late, many mesothelioma treatments focus on improving the patients' quality of life. Those mesothelioma treatments that attempt to slow or remove the cancer growth are often aggressive in nature.

The following factors will help the doctor to determine the best course of mesothelioma treatment:

* Stage and location of the cancer
* Age of the patient
* Patient's overall health
* Potential risks and benefits of the mesothelioma treatment

Traditional Mesothelioma Treatments

Listed below are some of the more traditional mesothelioma treatments:

* Surgery - a pneumonectomy or pleurectomy may be performed to remove diseased tissues
* Radiation - may be performed in lieu of or alongside surgery to kill off cancerous or abnormal cells in a specific target area
* Chemotherapy - a more aggressive form of treatment used to kill cancerous cells throughout the body
* Palliative treatments - may be used to alleviate pain by draining excess fluid from the affected areas, or by various other methods

New and Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments

The National Cancer Institute continues to sponsor clinical trials that are designed to find new mesothelioma treatments and enhance existing ones. Many new and alternative mesothelioma treatments work in conjunction with traditional treatments. Included below are a variety of some new and alternative mesothelioma treatment options:

* Immunotherapy
* Photodynamic therapy
* Intensity Modulated Radiation therapy
* Gene therapy
* New chemotherapy agents
* Alternative therapies including acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs, massage, etc.

To learn more about these and other mesothelioma treatment options, you should consult with a physician experienced in mesothelioma treatment.

If you have developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure , you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. You can contact an expert mesothelioma lawyers.

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