Small cell mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that
is caused by asbestos exposure. It is a rare and aggressive form of
mesothelioma, making up about 10% of all cases. Due to its aggressive nature,
small cell mesothelioma is difficult to treat and often has a poor prognosis.
However, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and
slow the progress of the disease. In this blog post, we will discuss some of
the treatment options available for small cell mesothelioma, so that those affected
can make informed decisions about their care.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are a form of mesothelioma treatment options
that offer new, innovative treatments to patients with small cell mesothelioma.
Clinical trials involve testing new drugs or therapies on patients to determine
their safety and effectiveness. Participation in a clinical trial may offer
access to treatments not yet approved by the FDA or other treatments not
available in the United States. Participating in a clinical trial also helps
further research on small cell mesothelioma, which could lead to improved
treatments for future generations. Before starting any type of treatment,
including a clinical trial, it is important to discuss all of your mesothelioma
treatment options with your doctor. They can provide information about clinical
trials that might be available to you, and help you decide if participating in
a clinical trial is the right decision for you.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option for mesothelioma treatment
depending on the size, location and stage of the tumor. In some cases, surgery
can be used to remove the tumor or part of it. A biopsy may also be performed
during the procedure to gather additional information about the mesothelioma.
Surgery is typically recommended when mesothelioma has been caught at an
earlier stage and has not spread to other areas of the body.
When a patient is eligible for surgery, there are several
options available depending on the individual’s condition.
Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is the most commonly used surgical procedure
for mesothelioma treatment. This procedure involves removal of the membrane
lining the chest cavity, including visible tumors and cancerous tissue.
Additionally, extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) may be used if cancer has spread
beyond the membrane lining the chest wall. This procedure includes removing the
entire lung and its associated tissues.
Surgery is often combined with other mesothelioma treatment
options such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy in order to increase its
effectiveness. It is important to discuss all possible options with your doctor
to determine which course of treatment is right for you.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the mesothelioma treatment options
available to patients diagnosed with small cell mesothelioma. Chemotherapy
involves using a combination of drugs to destroy cancer cells in the body. It
can be used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy, or it can be
used as a stand-alone treatment.
The primary goal of chemotherapy for mesothelioma is to
shrink the tumor and prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
It is typically given in cycles over the course of several months and can
involve intravenous (IV) administration of medications and/or oral medications.
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of
medication used and the duration of treatment. Common side effects include
nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and a decrease in white blood cell count. Patients
should always discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider
before starting chemotherapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is one of the most common mesothelioma
treatment options available. It can be used to reduce symptoms and pain, as
well as shrink tumors. During radiation therapy, a powerful beam of energy is
used to target cancer cells and kill them without harming nearby healthy
tissue.
There are two main types of radiation therapy for
mesothelioma: external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. External beam
radiation therapy uses a machine to send high-powered energy beams directly
into the tumor from outside the body. This type of radiation therapy is usually
given over several weeks. Brachytherapy, on the other hand, involves inserting
a thin tube containing radioactive material directly into the tumor. This
allows radiation to be targeted more specifically at the affected area.
Although radiation therapy can help reduce pain and symptoms
of mesothelioma, it can also have side effects, such as skin irritation, fatigue,
and nausea. Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor before beginning
any type of radiation therapy.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is an important mesothelioma treatment
option for those dealing with this serious form of cancer. Palliative care
helps to improve the quality of life for patients by providing physical,
psychological and spiritual support. This type of care is designed to relieve
symptoms and side effects that are associated with the disease, such as pain,
fatigue, anxiety and depression.
The goal of palliative care is to improve the patient’s
quality of life through symptom relief and support. It can be used in
combination with other mesothelioma treatment options, such as chemotherapy and
radiation therapy. While it will not cure the disease, it can help to reduce
suffering and improve quality of life.
Common palliative care strategies may include:
• Pain management
• Nutrition counseling
• Physical therapy
• Respiratory therapy
• Home health services
• Spiritual support
• Social work support
It is important to remember that palliative care should be
tailored to the individual needs of the patient. If you or a loved one has been
diagnosed with mesothelioma, talk to your doctor about the different treatment
options, including palliative care, to find out what is best for you.
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