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Stage treatment for pleural mesothelioma
By Eden Ali | June 15, 2007
The treatment of mesothelioma varies depending on the stage that a mesothelioma patient has reached at the time of diagnosis. Explained below is an illustration of the types of treatment that a pleural mesothelioma patient will undergo at the different stages of the disease.
Stage I Mesothelioma Treatment
Surgical intervention is often prescribed or advised for pleural mesothelioma patient diagnosed to be in Stage I. The likely procedures to be carried out are pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy. After surgery, doctors may further evaluate examine the mesothelioma patient to determine if chemotherapy or radiation treatment is needed.
Stages II, III Mesothelioma Treatment
When mesothelioma develops to stages II and III, the cancer becomes incurable. During these stages medical treatment is directed at relieve the severity of the symptoms and making the mesothelioma patient comfortable so as to optimize the quality of life. Clinical trials at some of the larger cancer centers in the country may also provide various treatment options for patients in these stages.
Stage IV Mesothelioma Treatment
If a patient is diagnosed with stage IV mesothelioma, the prognosis is very unfavorable. During this stage, the cancer will have been transformed and spread throughout the body, and to other organs and as with stages II and III, it is totally incurable. In this stage, symptoms commonly increase in severity and the absolute focus of the medical team is managing the pain.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are usually not presented at this stage except if they are required to support pain management goals.
Patients with stage IV mesothelioma may also be concerned in taking part in specialized clinical trials presented at leading cancer hospitals and centers.
Topics: Mesothelioma treatment ways |