Top 5 Approaches to Managing Mesothelioma

Despite advances in medicine, some diseases remain difficult to cure. Cancer is one such illness, with an elusive cause and no definitive cure. Its severity lies in its ability to affect any part of the body, often leading to fatal outcomes.
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that originates in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles, impacting around 3,000 individuals annually. Early detection offers better treatment prospects, but once the cancer spreads, complete remission becomes challenging.

The exact causes of mesothelioma remain under investigation; however, environmental exposure, inherited conditions, overall health status, and lifestyle choices are contributing factors. Risk factors include:

History of asbestos exposure

Living with someone involved in asbestos-related work

Family history of mesothelioma

Detecting mesothelioma early can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Symptoms vary depending on the affected area: chest pain, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, breathing difficulties, and lumps beneath the skin suggest pleural mesothelioma. Abdominal symptoms like pain, swelling, weight loss, and tissue lumps point to peritoneal mesothelioma. Though early-stage treatments are more effective, therapies can also help manage symptoms in later stages.

Treatment options include:

Surgical intervention - Since mesothelioma targets tissue linings in lungs or abdomen, surgery aims to remove cancerous growths. While complete removal in advanced cases is unlikely, surgery can alleviate symptoms. Types of surgery depend on cancer location and stage:

Pleural mesothelioma - Removal of tissue around the lung, such as pleurectomy or decortication, with more aggressive options like extrapleural pneumonectomy involving removal of lung parts, diaphragm, and heart lining.

Peritoneal mesothelioma - Removal of affected tissue in the abdomen, such as omentectomy, aiming to excise as much tumor tissue as possible.

Radiation therapy - Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. For pleural mesothelioma, it targets the chest area post-surgery; for peritoneal cases, it focuses on pain sites. Side effects include skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, and bowel issues.

Chemotherapy - Employs drugs delivered via IV to inhibit cancer cell growth and division, preventing spread. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is used for abdominal cases post-surgery. Side effects may include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and digestive disturbances.

Targeted therapy - Focuses on specific genetic or protein markers of cancer cells, blocking their growth and survival pathways while sparing healthy tissue.

Immunotherapy - Strengthens the immune system to recognize and attack mesothelioma cells by using laboratory-produced or body's own materials to enhance immune response.