MEDICAL TREATMENTS FOR MESOTHELIOMA

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which occurs in the lining of the lung (the pleura) or in the abdomen (the peritoneum). In very rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other areas of the body as well. Although science is not certain as to the exact way asbestos causes mesothelioma, it is thought that the asbestos fibers puncture the lungs and become lodged in the pleura, and the irritation creates the change in the cells which causes the mesothelioma. Knowledge of available mesothelioma treatment options can be an essential weapon in the fight against the progression of this deadly disease.

TREATMENT FACTORS AND OPTIONS

Unfortunately, the overall prognosis for patients with malignant mesothelioma remains poor. Often, by the time symptoms appear and a diagnosis is made, the disease is advanced. The average length of survival is around one to two years from diagnosis, and only about 7% of those diagnosed survive for five years or more. Research scientists and doctors, however, are pursuing several promising improvements in treatment. Treatment decisions are based on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. The three types of standard treatments used are surgery (removing the cancer), radiation therapy (using targeted high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells) and chemotherapy (using drugs to destroy the cancer). In order to achieve optimal results, these treatments may be combined.

The chance of recovery for a person with mesothelioma depends on several factors, including:

• Age of the patient
• Appearance of the cells under a microscope
• Location of the cancer
• Response to treatment
• Size of the cancer
• Spread of the cancer throughout the body

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Mesothelioma patients often suffer from a great deal of pain as a result of their illness. Tumors can press on nerves, organs or bones causing pain ranging from mild to severe. There can also be pain associated with the mesothelioma treatment itself - whether treatment is from surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Psychological pain associated with the knowledge that you have cancer or the belief that the demands of cancer are burdensome to family and friends can be difficult, as well.

The three most common types of pain are chronic, acute and breakthrough. Chronic pain can be varying in degree from mild to severe and persists over a long time. Acute pain is short in duration, quite sudden and severe. Someone who experiences pain when his or her chronic pain is normally controlled by medication is said to have "breakthrough" pain.

Many patients are unaware of the numerous resources available that can help them feel better - some of them at no cost. There is no benefit to enduring this pain as it can cause problems sleeping, problems with activity and movement, make a patient less likely to eat, increase depression, and interfere with how a patient interacts with family and friends. Untreated, pain can diminish a patient’s quality of life.