Surgery
If the cancer has not spread and is somewhat contained in the lining around the lungs or abdomen, a patient may be an ideal candidate for aggressive surgery as well as chemotherapy or radiation. For those not strong enough to withstand such a surgery, there are more palliative procedures available. In fact, there are several surgical options, including:
- Thoracentesis
- Thoracoscopy
- Pleurodesis
- Paracentesis
- Wedge Resection
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat cancer, including mesothelioma. For those suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma, a doctor might suggest a multimodal treatment called heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This form of treatment is typically given after surgery to help eliminate the microscopic cancer cells that surgeons miss. Other common chemotherapy drugs include:
- Cisplatin
- Carboplatin
- Gemcitabine
- Doxorubicin
- Paclitaxel
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a noninvasive option, which uses high-energy rays to target cancer cells, and is usually paired with another treatment to shrink tumors. Unlike chemotherapy, the side effects are not as strong, and it helps reduce the physical pain of mesothelioma. Given that radiation can be toxic to various organs, it is only used with certain types of mesothelioma when surgery is no longer an option.
Multimodal Therapy
Many of the aforementioned treatments work best through a multimodal approach, tailored to an individual’s specific needs. However, it is crucial to have a skilled specialist to craft the right treatment plan together.
Contact a Skilled Mesothelioma Attorney at Shrader & Associates L.L.P.
Mesothelioma is an entirely preventable disease that, unfortunately, too many individuals needlessly suffer from. At Shrader & Associates L.L.P., our mesothelioma attorneys understand the great financial, physical, and emotional burden you are enduring. We are committed ensuring that those who are responsible for your asbestos exposure are held accountable for their negligent actions.
Money can never compensate a person for the loss of a loved one or compromised health, but it can help with mounting medical costs, and relieve some of the financial burden associated with this terrible disease. You do not have to go through this alone.
Contact us today at (713) 787-3733 to learn more about how we can help you through this difficult time.