Researchers around the world are continuing to look for alternative protocols, including state-of-the-art technological breakthroughs. Among those treatment options that are currently being tested is photodynamic therapy, a technique that kills cancerous cells by first photo sensitizing drugs and then activating them with light. Mesothelioma patients are provided with very few options for treatment. The
Complementary and alternative medicine (also known as CAM) includes body-based therapies for mesothelioma. Body-based therapies utilize massage and musculoskeletal adjustments. They are mostly used to ease symptoms and side effects of the disease and difficult treatments like chemotherapy. Mesothelioma Treatments There are many different therapies used for mesothelioma. Body-based therapies are not direct treatments for cancer.
Multimodal therapy for mesothelioma is a combination of two or more cancer treatments. A common combination is surgery with chemotherapy, radiation, or both. Multimodal therapy is currently considered to be the best treatment approach for mesothelioma. What Is Multimodal Therapy? Multimodal therapy refers to a care strategy that involves multiple treatment types. Instead of just
Common side effects of mesothelioma radiation therapy include skin rashes and fatigue. Side effects for pleural mesothelioma patients include difficulty swallowing and pneumonitis. Peritoneal patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or incontinence. What Is Radiation Therapy? Radiotherapy uses a beam of high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells. A machine produces X-rays, gamma rays,
The side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, anemia, fatigue, hair loss, bleeding, and digestive problems. Medical teams help patients manage these and other side effects with medications, holistic care, and complementary and alternative therapies. Treating Mesothelioma with Chemotherapy Oncologists and medical teams often use multiple treatment strategies for patients with mesothelioma. Multimodal
The side effects of mesothelioma surgery are infection, pain, organ damage, bleeding, blood clots, cardiovascular complications, and respiratory effects. It is important to weigh the risks of surgery against the potential benefits before making decisions regarding your treatment options. Common Mesothelioma Surgery Side Effects Mesothelioma patients might undergo one of many different types of procedures.
Pericardiocentesis is a procedure that drains fluid from the tissue around the heart called the pericardium. For patients with pericardial mesothelioma, the procedure relieves the uncomfortable symptoms of pericardial effusion, the buildup of fluid. This is a palliative procedure that treats symptoms but not cancer itself. What Is a Pericardiocentesis? Pericardiocentesis is a minimally invasive
Thoracentesis (pleurocentesis) is a procedure to withdraw fluid from the pleural space. Fluid tends to build up in patients with pleural mesothelioma, which is uncomfortable. Thoracentesis provides symptom relief. Doctors also use it for diagnostic tests. What Is a Thoracentesis? Thoracentesis, which is also called pleurocentesis, is a minor procedure doctors use to remove fluid
Pleurodesis is a procedure to treat and reduce the recurrence of pleural effusion, a common complication of pleural mesothelioma. It involves adhering the two layers of pleural tissue together so fluid cannot accumulate. Pleurodesis is not a cancer treatment but relieves common symptoms and improves quality of life. Mesothelioma and Pleural Effusion Pleurodesis is a
Two of the main types of surgery for pleural mesothelioma are pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), which spares the lung, and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes an entire lung. Pleurectomy/decortication vs. extrapleural pneumonectomy is an important debate for patients. What Is Pleurectomy/Decortication? A pleurectomy/decortication, also known as P/D, is a surgery often used for mesothelioma. This procedure removes