Cure for Mesothelioma?

Doctors and researchers are looking for answers related to a mesothelioma cure but have not found any that are 100% assured. Before we discuss a cure and treatment options, it is necessary to know about what this type of cancer is and what are its possible causes. This is a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen. High Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of these cancers. Asbestos is a heat natural silicate mineral that was widely used in the building process because of its heat-resistant features.

Lung cancer mesothelioma is the common name for this malignant disease, a rare cancer that is not very responsive to therapy. This cancer is the deadliest of all asbestos related diseases. Specifically, lung cancer mesothelioma is misnomer. This is not a cancer of the lungs; rather it generally affects the lining of the lungs.

There are three differing varieties of this cancer:

1. Ephitheliod: It affects the membranous tissue covering the intrinsic organs and surfaces of the body. A large number of the these cases occurring today belong to this type and it has the best prognosis.
2. Sarcomatoid: It develops from supportive tissues such as bones, muscles, cartilages and fats. Relatively 7% to 20% of cases are of this type.
3. Mixed/Biphasic: 20% to 35% of mesothelioma cases belong to this type. It carries both the aspects of the above two types.

The treatment options remain the same for all the varieties.

Statistically, the majority of cases are divided between two types of mesothelioma cancers:

Pleural mesothelioma, the most common, statistically 75% of all cases, is where cancerous cells propagate on the lining of the lungs. The second common type is peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that affects the thin cell membrane around the abdomen. This specific area of the body is referred to as the peritoneum. This is the second most prevalent type of these cancer cases.

Treatment Options

Types of treatment options available today are radiation, chemotherapy, radical surgery and/or combination of all these treatments. During treatment, either a portion of tumor or the bulk tumor is removed. In some cases, a segment of the normal tissue surrounding the area is also removed along with the tumor.

Chemotherapy - Hopes of Curing the Patient of Their Cancer

The mesothelioma treatment known as chemotherapy is when a medical professional delivers intravenous drugs to the patient in hopes of curing the patient of their cancer. Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells within the body. Most drugs used to treat these cancers are given by injection into a vein. Researchers are examining the effectiveness of introducing chemotherapy straight into the chest or abdomen.

This cancer-treatment regimen is many times called an "anti-cancer" drug. Many people overhear stories about chemotherapy from friends and family or read about it in books or brochures. What you overhear and read can give you a comprehensive idea about chemotherapy treatments; however, all of the information may not apply to you and your specific situation.

Side Effects

Some people have gone through chemotherapy treatments with little side effects. Side effects occur because the normal cells in the body are also exposed to the anticancer drug. The most acute normal cells are found in the blood, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and reproductive system. Therefore, potential side effects include infection, bleeding, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, thin hair coat or skin color changes, and sterility. Uncommon side effects associated with specific drugs include bladder discomfort, kidney damage, and heart failure. The most grave side effect is a overwhelming infection which can lead to death. Your doctor will suggest an suitable chemotherapy plan based on your medical history, type of mesothelioma cancer, degree of cancer, current state of health, and updated research.

Contact a Professional if Exposed to Asbestos

The effectiveness of the treatment and the possibility of a cure depends on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. If you or a loved one suspects any exposure to asbestos, contact a health care professional right away.