Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and a combination of these methods. The treatment recommended by the healthcare provider will depend on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer cells, and the person's general health. Treatment for mesothelioma generally begins a few weeks after diagnosis, so there often is time to get a second opinion.
There are several different mesothelioma treatment options available for someone diagnosed with the disease.
Some factors that may influence the treatment options recommended include:
- The stage of the cancer (see Mesothelioma Stages)
- The type of cancer cells (how they look under a microscope)
- The person's age and general health
- Whether the mesothelioma is newly diagnosed or has come back (recurred).
In general, treatment options for mesothelioma include:
- Surgery (see Mesothelioma Surgery)
- Chemotherapy (see Mesothelioma Chemotherapy)
- Radiation therapy (see Mesothelioma Radiation).
Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results of each. The two of you can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and healthcare team.
Mesothelioma treatment generally begins within a few weeks after the diagnosis. There will be time for people to talk with their healthcare provider about treatment choices, get a second opinion, and learn more about the disease.
There are several different mesothelioma treatment options available for someone diagnosed with the disease.
Some factors that may influence the treatment options recommended include:
- The stage of the cancer (see Mesothelioma Stages)
- The type of cancer cells (how they look under a microscope)
- The person's age and general health
- Whether the mesothelioma is newly diagnosed or has come back (recurred).
In general, treatment options for mesothelioma include:
- Surgery (see Mesothelioma Surgery)
- Chemotherapy (see Mesothelioma Chemotherapy)
- Radiation therapy (see Mesothelioma Radiation).
Your doctor can describe your treatment choices and the expected results of each. The two of you can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and healthcare team.
Mesothelioma treatment generally begins within a few weeks after the diagnosis. There will be time for people to talk with their healthcare provider about treatment choices, get a second opinion, and learn more about the disease.
Remembering Questions and Answers
Many people with mesothelioma want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care. They want to learn all they can about the disease and their treatment choices. However, the shock and stress after a mesothelioma diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. Often, it helps to make a list of questions before an appointment.
To help remember what the doctor says, people may take notes or ask whether they may use a tape recorder. Some also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor -- to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.
Sometimes it is helpful to have a second opinion about the diagnosis and the treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the affected person or doctor requests it. Gathering medical records and arranging to see another doctor may take a little time. In most cases, a brief delay to get another opinion will not affect treatment for mesothelioma.
The doctor is the best person to describe the treatment choices and explain the expected results. The doctor and the affected person can work together to develop a mesothelioma treatment plan that fits the person needs.
Depending on the type and extent of mesothelioma, options may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- A combination of these methods.
(You can read more about treatment options based on the stage of mesothelioma by going to the eMedTV article Mesothelioma Treatment by Stage.)
Side Effects of Treatment for Mesothelioma
Because treatment for mesothelioma may damage healthy cells and tissues, unwanted side effects are common. Specific side effects depend on many factors, including the type and extent of the treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may even change from one treatment session to the next. Before treating mesothelioma, healthcare providers will explain possible side effects and suggest ways to manage them.
People need to eat well during mesothelioma treatment. They need enough calories to maintain a good weight and protein to keep up strength. Good "mesothelioma nutrition" often helps people with cancer feel better and have more energy.
But eating well can be difficult. People may not feel like eating if they are uncomfortable or tired. Also, the side effects of treatment, such as poor appetite, nausea, or vomiting, can be a problem. Foods may taste different. Nevertheless, people should try to eat enough calories and protein to control weight loss, maintain strength, and promote healing. Also, eating well often helps people with cancer feel better and have more energy. The doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare provider can suggest ways to maintain a healthy diet.
Careful planning and checkups are important. Mesothelioma and its treatment may make it hard for people to digest food and maintain their weight. The doctor will check the person for weight loss, weakness, and lack of energy.
Mesothelioma can be hard to control with current treatments. For that reason, many doctors encourage people with mesothelioma to consider taking part in a clinical trial. These mesothelioma research trials are meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for mesothelioma. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. Clinical trials are an important option for people with all stages of mesothelioma.
ll explain possible side effects and suggest ways to manage them.
No comments:
Post a Comment