Because mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer, it is important to take action swiftly with a trusted and experienced doctor. Once you have identified a qualified specialist, he or she will discuss your treatment goals and options and formulate a plan that is specific for your case.
Treatment for mesothelioma begins with a thorough diagnosis, which usually involves various types of imaging and other tests to rule out any other causes of symptoms and confirm the presence of mesothelioma tumors. After the location of the cancer and the stage of the disease are determined, your health care provider will collaborate with you on a plan of action.
Treatment options will depend on a variety of factors, including the location and size of the primary tumor mass, whether the disease has spread (and where), and such general health conditions as age, fitness and a patient’s other illnesses. Some mesothelioma patients are best served by a combination of treatments, while others may respond better to one or a succession of therapies.
TREATMENT OPTIONS WILL DEPEND ON A VARIETY OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE LOCATION AND SIZE OF THE PRIMARY TUMOR MASS AND WHETHER THE DISEASE HAS SPREAD.
In general, the standard primary types of medical treatment for mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often in combination with medications that have proven effective in fighting the disease or slowing its progress. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture or herbal medicine, especially when used in conjunction with conventional treatments, have become more widely acknowledged and accepted by the medical community in recent years.
In an effort to find a cure for mesothelioma, medical researchers have established a series of clinical trials to test innovative treatments against the existing standard of care. Clinical trials are spread across the country, are free to the patient, and many are currently enrolling new patients.
To find out more about your treatment options, available clinical trials and how the Mesothelioma Options Help Center can help you and your family cope with this disease, contact us today.