Mesothelioma Victims - True Stories
>As with any cancer, treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the progression of the disease, the age as well as state of health of the patient.
It is the oncologist who specializes in the disease who will decide on the line of treatment. The disease is difficult to treat and in most cases the prognosis is poor. Treatment options include:
1. If the diagnosis is done in the early stages surgery may be recommended to remove all cancerous tissues. This means thoracoscopy, VATS or video assisted thoracic surgery, mediastinoscopy (used for staging), or laproscopy. Often, doctors will advise palliative procedures like chest tube drainage and pleurodesis, thoracoscopy and pleurodesis, pleuroperitonial shunt, or pleurectomy, which treat the symptoms of mesothelioma rather than the disease.
2. Radiation is prescribed aggressively for mesothelioma patients and is often given in combination with surgery or in order to control symptoms, palliatively. Research on using radiation therapy using implants or UV light therapy is in progress as traditional radiation therapy damages surrounding healthy tissue.
3. Chemotherapy is an option and around 12-20% of patients respond to the drugs. Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. In mesothelioma, chemotherapy is not considered to be curative. The aim is to prevent spread of the disease; shrink the tumor prior to surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy; to annihilate any remains of the tumor in the body post surgery; and to relieve pain and other discomfort, palliative chemotherapy. Experts recommend prescribing premetrexed along with cisplastin. These drugs have shown positive results and this is now standard care for Mesothelioma not treatable by surgery.
4. Biological therapy using interleukin 2.
5. Immunotherapy where the body's own immune system is stimulated to fight the disease. Biological response modifiers, BRMs, are used in treatment. These enhance the functions of the immune system; regulate metabolic reactions that promote growth of cancers; alter cancer cell division; block or reverse processes that lead to formation of cancers; and prevent spread of cancer.
6. Gene therapy, where attempts are made to correct the gene sequence that causes the cancer. This is of two kinds, replacement gene therapy and knockout gene therapy.
7. Administration of lovastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug.
8. Photodynamic treatment where a photosensitive medication is activated using a laser. This is done during the surgical removal of cancerous tissues.
9. Draining of fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity followed by introduction of medications into the cavity to prevent fluid accumulation is done for patients who have uncontrolled fluid accumulation and intense discomfort stemming from it.
10. Combination therapy or Trimodal therapy which means surgery accompanied by radiation and chemotherapy.
Often, complementary medicines are also used. Termed to be holistic this kind of treatment focuses on a patient's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.
In the case of Mesothelioma which is untreatable one can opt for clinical trials of new treatments that are in progress in several research laboratories and centers. The best advice on the line of treatment would be that recommended by the oncologist or physician.
About the Author
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html
Going
Mesothelioma is as serious of a condition as any possible. Diagnosis usually precedes an extended and painful death. New technology for treating the disease provides some hope for the victims, but with the skyrocketing cost of medical care in America, most of these new treatments can only be used by the wealthiest of people. Still, treatments such as angiogenesis, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy provide the most hope for mesothelioma victims who dont respond well to conventional treatment methods.
Mesothelioma is as serious of a condition as any possible. Diagnosis usually precedes an extended and painful death. New technology for treating the disease provides some hope for the victims, but with the skyrocketing cost of medical care in America, most of these new treatments can only be used by the wealthiest of people. Still, treatments such as angiogenesis, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy provide the most hope for mesothelioma victims who dont respond well to conventional treatment methods.
Hope is the most important aspect for victims of Mesothelioma. Hope provides strength and fighting a disease like mesothelioma requires an incredible amount of strength. Many victims draw strength from their families, or spiritual convictions, while others take stock of life of accomplishments and resolve themselves to preserver though their struggle. As long as these victims still have hope, their struggle against mesothelioma is never in vain.
Here is a true story from a mesothelioma victim.
At 42, I never thought that I would be facing a terminal illness, especially one relating to the lungs. I've never smoked and have lead a relatively healthy life. I have two beautiful daughters who will be heading to college soon - and I may not be alive to see their graduation.
I was actually thinking of my oldest daughter's upcoming prom as I drove to my primary care doctor to discuss a reoccurring cough that I had had for the past few months. Three other visits had not resulted in any diagnosis; but when my doctors office called the previous day, they said I should go in to the office to discuss the next step.
As I left the office in a daze an hour later, I realized my life was changed forever. I had been given the devastating news that I had mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that is currently untreatable. I was in shock to learn a few weeks later that my disease was a result of doing my husband's laundry when he returned from work each day as a carpenter. Facing huge medical expenses and a limited time with my family, I don't know where to turn...
-Kathleen
Age 42
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
If you or a loved one has been affected by Mesothelioma you might have the right to seek compensation for your suffering. Please visit http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com�for more information.
This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay in-tact.
