Saturday, August 2, 2008

What are treatment options for mesothelioma?

The stage, size, and location of your tumor will determine how it is treated. Treatment options could include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of any of these, depending on the type and stage of cancer that you have.

For most types of tumors, surgical removal of the visible tumor is considered the treatment that gives the best chance of cure. The decision of whether to use surgery is dependent on the size and location of the tumor and on whether the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. If the tumor cells have spread or if some of the tumor could not be removed during surgery, one or more other therapies may then be used as the next best chance to improve survival.

Chemotherapy is treatment with medication most commonly given by injection into a vein to destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells. Many drugs have been used in the treatment of mesothelioma. Talk with your doctor about which chemotherapy would be best for your particular situation.

Radiation therapy is a treatment method that uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is also used to improve disease-related symptoms.

Immunotherapy is a treatment that stimulates or restores the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. It is also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Other terms used to describe this or similar therapies are biotherapy (biological therapy) or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

There are many people researching other possible treatments for mesothelioma. Your health care team is your best source for gaining and understanding information regarding the treatment of your mesothelioma.

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