Mesothelioma is a tumour that develops in the mesothelium (membrane found in several body cavities) and is diagnosed only through professional help. The types of this condition are classified based on the affected part. For instance, pleural mesothelioma is a condition when the tissue surrounding the lungs gets affected. The mineral asbestos is universally acknowledged by health authorities, including the WHO, as a highly carcinogenic substance capable of causing mesothelioma. As per studies and empirical evidence, mesothelioma affects men more than women, at a rate of 3 to 1. As this disease can be fatal, we cannot emphasise enough on securing health insurance. Let us turn our attention to the treatment for mesothelioma.
Treatment of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma treatment depends on the body part it affects, the stage of the tumour, and various other factors. The following are some of the commonly adopted mesothelioma treatment methods:
- Immunotherapy: This treatment is for mesothelioma cancer and harnesses the patient's immune system. Various immunotherapy options exist, such as vaccine therapy (including autologous vaccines made from the patient) and a treatment involving immune cytokines. These treatments aim to activate the patient's immune response against the cancer; multiple strategies within this approach have been explored for mesothelioma treatment.
- Chemotherapy: This method comprises a set of potent drugs that, by causing DNA damage, eliminate cells, including those affected by mesothelioma, other cancers, and even healthy cells. It is classified as a cytotoxic therapy, indicating its ability to kill cells. Chemotherapy can be administered before or after surgery depending on the patient's condition. However, chemotherapy drugs can also affect healthy cells, and may lead to certain side effects. Therefore, seeking medical help from time to time is inevitable, and we would reiterate the need for health insurance immediately!
- Surgery: This is another treatment mode. Surgeons look to eliminate mesothelioma upon early detection, and in certain cases, this can lead to a complete cure. However, when removing all of the tumour is not feasible, surgery may still be beneficial in mitigating the signs and symptoms associated with the spread of mesothelioma throughout the body.
- Targeted therapy: This treatment for mesothelioma focuses on specific molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy aims to interfere with specific pathways or proteins related to the development and progression of mesothelioma.
- Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy is a method for treating mesothelioma by employing high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to eliminate cancer cells or stub their growth. In external radiation therapy, a machine positioned outside the body directs radiation towards the specific area affected by cancer. Additionally, this treatment can be applied as palliative therapy to alleviate symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with mesothelioma.
These are some of the commonly used treatment modes for all types of mesothelioma.