Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs, heart or abdominal organs. The key objective of these forums is to provide sound ways of medical treatment to patients in different corners of the world. The type of treatment available depends on the location of the cancer, the stages of the disease, the age of the patient and the general health of the patient.
When found in the sac that lines the chest or abdomen, it is called malignant mesothelioma. Advanced malignant Mesothelioma can again be divided into 3 stages namely stage II, III and IV. Localized pleural mesothelioma cancer ranging from – Stage I; the cancer remains on the membrane surface where it originated to Stage IV; advanced. In the localized stage, the cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity or in the diaphragm or the lung. The surgical removal of a part of the chest or the abdominal lining is called pleurectomy and if the lung is removed, then the operation will be termed as pneumonectomy.
Lung cancer is a serious killer and unless it is detected in its early stages it can spread quickly to other parts of the body like the heart, chest cavity and into the bloodstream. In stage II, the cancer spreads beyond the chest lining to lymph nodes and in stage III it spreads into chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc. It is also called as comfort care, supportive care or symptom management.Symptoms of mesotheliomaMesothelioma is caused due to the exposure of the patient to asbestos. If surgery is undertaken during these stages, it is generally only for relief of symptoms. It is often used by doctors for relieving the symptoms and controlling pain.Thoracentesis is another form of treatment used to remove the fluid from the chest.
Stage II, III and IV malignant mesotheliomas are advanced, and may have spread to lymph nodes or to surrounding or distant organs and tissues. Median survival time after diagnosis with malignant mesothelioma is between one and two years; this is why many patients opt to enroll in clinical trials. As the extent of pain experienced by the patients is very high, palliation includes traditional pain management programs like pain killers along with stress management, meditation and massage therapy. This kind of pain is one that occurs in mesothelioma patients with chronic pain that is regulated by medications.Pain ControlThe following are the types of medicines used for pain relief:1. Most patients use of a variety of pain medications to reduce pain and maintain their quality of life.