According to the American Cancer Society, several different treatment options are available for mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer affecting the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body called the mesothelium.
Mesothelioma is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos.
The main factors in choosing a treatment option are the size and place of the tumor, whether it has spread, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s own preferences.
Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or more than one of these combined. One problem with treating mesothelioma is that it does not grow as a single tumor. Instead, it tends to spread along surfaces, nerves, and blood vessels. This makes it hard for treatment to get rid of all of the disease.
Patients may have different types of doctors on their treatment team, depending on the stage of the cancer and the treatment options. These doctors may include:
- A thoracic surgeon: a doctor who treats diseases of the lungs and chest with surgery.
- A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.
- A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy.
- A pulmonologist: a doctor who specializes in medical treatment of diseases of the lungs.
Many other experts may be involved in the patient’s care as well, such as nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, and other health professionals.
If you or a loved one have contracted mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, contact Lopez McHugh for a free consultation.
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