As with any disease, the best treatment comes from early detection. At the first sign of illness, you should see your doctor. The sooner treatment begins, the more effective it is likely to be, and the less likely you are to have complications or recurrence of the disease.
Standard mesothelioma treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. A newer treatments that is done during surgery is intraoperative photodynamic therapy. This treatment uses drugs and light to kill cancer cells.
Mesothelium consists of two layers of membrane. One wraps around the individual organs and the other lines the thoracic or abdominal wall. Normally a thin layer of fluid lubricates these layers allowing the organs to glide freely within their cavities.
When cancer cells are present they can cause inflammation and fluid to build up between these layers. Thoracentesis or paracentesis may be necessary to remove fluid from between these layers and drugs used to prevent recurrence.
Treatment of diseases and complications of mesothelioma include and treatment of pneumonia, which is common due to weakened lungs and lowered resistance. Influenza and pneumonia vaccinations are recommended as a precaution for mesothelioma patients.
Victims of mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation. Please visit the website of Brown | Kiely, LLP, the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
