How Is Mesothelioma Treated?
Mesothelioma treatment options are dependent on the type of cancer, how far it has progressed, and the age and overall health of the patient. The most common mesothelioma treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These treatments can help to prolong life, relieve symptoms, and improve the quality of life for many patients. Here are more details about how mesothelioma treatment works. TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS In traditional treatments, surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat mesothelioma. Surgical resection involves the removal of cancerous tissue. Radiation therapy is focused on high-dose targeted delivery of x-rays or other forms of radiation to a tumor site in order to destroy cancer cells, often with fewer side effects than chemo. Chemotherapy uses medication designed to attack rapidly dividing cells and can include single or combination drugs that may be taken orally or injected into a vein by a doctor. While...