Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. While it was particularly rare before the 20th century when asbestos started to be widely used in industrial and commercial infrastructures. For about 100 years, asbestos was among the common materials used in construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing. When it has been proven toxic that causes numerous respiratory conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other conditions, millions of workers had already been exposed to asbestos.
The majority of mesothelioma patients were exposed in their workplace, and its consequences can be first noticed years after exposure. Despite the limitations imposed, it is estimated that 10,000 people are still diagnosed with asbestos-related disease every year in the United States alone. Mesothelioma is the most severe of these conditions and there is currently no cure for this type of cancer. There are, however, numerous treatments meant to improve patients’ quality of life and lifespan.
Surgery as Treatment for Mesothelioma
- Pneumonectomy
- Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)
- Pleurectomy/Decortication (E/D)
- Peritonectomy and Cytoreductive
- Pleurodesis
- Thoracentesis
- Paracentesis
- Pericardiocentesis
- Pericardiectomy
Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma Treatment
- Cisplatin
- Gemcitabine
- Alimta
- Carboplatin
- Onconase
- Navelbine
- Methotrexate
- Vincristine
- Vinblastine
- Mitomycin
- Doxorubicin
- Epirubicin
- Cyclophosphamide
- Ifosfamide
Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma Treatment
- Brachytherapy
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Three-Dimensional Radiation Treatment (3D-CRT)
- External Beam Radiation
- Image Guided Radiation Therapy
- Proton Therapy
Palliative Care for Mesothelioma Patients
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiatiotherapy
- Medication
- Pain-Management Techniques
Alternative Therapies as Treatment for Mesothelioma
- Body-Based Therapies
- Complete Healing Systems
- Emotional Effects Therapies
- Mind-Body Therapies
- Homeopathy
- Nutrition
- Herbal Medicines
- Energy Therapies
Emerging Mesothelioma Treatment Options
- Multimodal Therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Gene Therapy
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Immunotherapy
Note: Mesothelioma Research News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.