Article Categories
» Arts & Entertainment
» Automotive
» Business
» Careers & Jobs
» Education & Reference
» Finance
» Food & Drink
» Health & Fitness
» Home & Family
» Internet & Online Businesses
» Miscellaneous
» Self Improvement
» Shopping
» Society & News
» Sports & Recreation
» Technology
» Travel & Leisure
» Writing & Speaking

  Listed Article

  Category: Articles » Health & Fitness » Article
 

10 Options in Treating Mesothelioma




By Paul Wilson

As with any cancer, treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the progression of the disease, the age as well as state of health of the patient.

It is the oncologist who specializes in the disease who will decide on the line of treatment. The disease is difficult to treat and in most cases the prognosis is poor. Treatment options include:

1. If the diagnosis is done in the early stages surgery may be recommended to remove all cancerous tissues. This means thoracoscopy, VATS or video assisted thoracic surgery, mediastinoscopy (used for staging), or laproscopy. Often, doctors will advise palliative procedures like chest tube drainage and pleurodesis, thoracoscopy and pleurodesis, pleuroperitonial shunt, or pleurectomy, which treat the symptoms of mesothelioma rather than the disease.

2. Radiation is prescribed aggressively for mesothelioma patients and is often given in combination with surgery or in order to control symptoms, palliatively. Research on using radiation therapy using implants or UV light therapy is in progress as traditional radiation therapy damages surrounding healthy tissue.

3. Chemotherapy is an option and around 12-20% of patients respond to the drugs. Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. In mesothelioma, chemotherapy is not considered to be curative. The aim is to prevent spread of the disease; shrink the tumor prior to surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy; to annihilate any remains of the tumor in the body post surgery; and to relieve pain and other discomfort, palliative chemotherapy. Experts recommend prescribing premetrexed along with cisplastin. These drugs have shown positive results and this is now standard care for Mesothelioma not treatable by surgery.

4. Biological therapy using interleukin 2.

5. Immunotherapy where the body's own immune system is stimulated to fight the disease. Biological response modifiers, BRMs, are used in treatment. These enhance the functions of the immune system; regulate metabolic reactions that promote growth of cancers; alter cancer cell division; block or reverse processes that lead to formation of cancers; and prevent spread of cancer.

6. Gene therapy, where attempts are made to correct the gene sequence that causes the cancer. This is of two kinds, replacement gene therapy and knockout gene therapy.

7. Administration of lovastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug.

8. Photodynamic treatment where a photosensitive medication is activated using a laser. This is done during the surgical removal of cancerous tissues.

9. Draining of fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity followed by introduction of medications into the cavity to prevent fluid accumulation is done for patients who have uncontrolled fluid accumulation and intense discomfort stemming from it.

10. Combination therapy or Trimodal therapy which means surgery accompanied by radiation and chemotherapy.

Often, complementary medicines are also used. Termed to be holistic this kind of treatment focuses on a patient's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.

In the case of Mesothelioma which is untreatable one can opt for clinical trials of new treatments that are in progress in several research laboratories and centers. The best advice on the line of treatment would be that recommended by the oncologist or physician.
 
 
About the Author
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html

Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/22544.html
 
If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/22544.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked.



  Some other articles by Paul Wilson
10 Ways To Find The Best Price On Hotels
Planning a trip has become increasing difficult as there are so many options to choose from. After finding a hotel that suits all your needs you need to ascertain whether you ...

Online Courses Open Many Doors
Life in the fast lane presents many challenges. And, to keep abreast with changes in work culture and technology one has to learn continuously. However, with the ...

Blogs - Freedom Of Thought And Expression
A writer who writes and maintains a blog is a blogger and the journal that he makes available on the web is a blog. Most blogs are like personal diaries with material appearing in a chronological order. ...

An Online Degree Program Offers World Class Education With Flexible Schedules
In the fast paced society of today it has become imperative to earn additional degrees and qualifications in order to stay abreast with globalization and technological advancements. You need to protect yourself ...

Tips For Comfortable Traveling During Pregnancy
Women today take pregnancy in their stride and continue to work and enjoy everyday activities. Pregnancy does not mean termination of all work and ...

Tips On Choosing An Online College
The dream of completing your college education or furthering your studies is no longer elusive. The World Wide Web boom has brought education to your key board. Many ...

  
  Recent Articles
Hypnosis – 5 WONDERFUL Steps to Quit Smoking Today for a HEALTHY Living
by pradeep aggarwal

The Importance of Foods to fight Cold Sores
by Robert H Black

The Benefits of Cleansing Your Body
by Dr. Robert Fleishmann

The Risk Of Drug-coated Stents Can Be Managed
by Ng Peng Hock

What So Great About GL Diet?
by Ng Peng Hock

Does Salt Matter Your Heart Health?
by Ng Peng Hock

3 Smart Ways to Live Longer
by David Daniel

What Are Designer Eggs Related To Heart Disease?
by Ng Peng Hock

Nosebleeds - Bloody Nose - The simple facts and the cures
by Robert W. Benjamin

Your Great Goal in Life A Healthy and Fit YOU
by Ismael D. Tabije

Building Up Strong and Shapely Legs
by Ismael D. Tabije

Enhance Your Health through Internal Cleanliness
by Ismael D. Tabije

Can't connect to database