Mesothelioma treatment
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. To treat this awful disease is rather hard, but everyone wants to live and we should try to use all possible ways out of this situation. The most popular mesothelioma treatment ways are: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and finding some innovation in treatment.
Surgery.
In some cases, surgery may be indicated to alleviate symptoms or slow the progression of mesothelioma. Surgery may be performed in tandem with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, also known as “multi-modal therapy.”
Whether a surgery is recommended in your case will depend on factors unique to your situation, including the type and location of the cancer, the “stage” of the cancer, and your overall health. Of course, whether your doctor recommends surgery in your case will depend on factors individual to your case.
Pleural Mesothelioma Surgeries Thoracentesis
- This procedure involves the draining of fluid that may build up (called a “pleural effusion”) in the chest between the lung and the pleura. A tube is placed in the chest in order to drain out the fluid. Thoracentesis is a “palliative” treatment, meaning that its purpose is to help relieve discomfort.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma SurgeriesParacentesis
- Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen in a process called peritoneal effusion. This excess fluid is drained through a needle and tube inserted into the abdomen. Paracentesis (sometimes called an “ascitic tap”) can help take the pressure off the internal organs, and also helps reduce the risk of infection that may be caused by the fluid buildup. This is a “palliative” procedure, meaning that the goal of paracentesis is to help to relieve the discomfort associated with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Pericardial Mesothelioma SurgeriesPericardiocentesis.
- This is the process for drawing fluid out of the affected area to help to relieve the discomfort associated with pericardial mesothelioma. For this procedure, a needle is inserted into the pericardium (the sac around the heart) to drain the fluid and relieve circulatory problems. The draining of this fluid can be associated with complications, however.
