There are several treatment options available for mesothelioma patients, depending on the severity and progression of the disease. The three main treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Below, we discuss the possible side effects of these three treatments.
Surgery
Patients with malignant mesothelioma may undergo a surgical procedure called an extrapleural pneumonectomy. This involves the removal of a lung, a portion of the diaphragm, and the linings of the lungs and heart.
Complications arising from an extrapleural pneumonectomy may include:
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Atrial fibrillation
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Cardiac arrest
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Pulmonary embolism
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Acute lung injury/pneumonia
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Abdominal herniation
Several factors increase the risk of complications from this surgical procedure including being male, being 60 years of age or older, and having the operation on the right side of the body.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Depending on the class of drugs used, it accomplishes this either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
The side effects of chemotherapy may include:
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Anemia
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Nervous system toxicity
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Diarrhea
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Fatigue
Radiation
Radiation is often given as a treatment to patients who are not in good enough health to withstand surgery. This treatment can often achieve a localized alleviation of symptoms in about 50% of patients.
The side effects of radiation may include:
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Fatigue
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Mild skin changes that resemble a sunburn
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Lung damage
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Difficulty breathing
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Loss of appetite
Suffering from Mesothelioma? Contact Us Today
Most cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. Although asbestos has been greatly restricted, there are still some older buildings that may contain this toxic substance. Additionally, mesothelioma’s long latency period means that those who were exposed to asbestos decades ago may not develop the disease until today.
If you developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, our team can help you determine any and all liable parties and recover the compensation you need for medical bills and lost wages.
Contact Shrader & Associates L.L.P. today at (713) 787-3733 to schedule a consultation with our team.