Is Mesothelioma Cancer Curable?
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma may be an incredibly stressful and confusing experience. When doctors estimate the length of time you'll live it is important to remember that these estimates are just estimates.
The most reliable factors that determine your prognosis are the stage (extent) of mesothelioma as well as the subtype. The type of surgery you receive is also a factor.
Chemotherapy
The drugs for cancer, also referred to as chemotherapy, eliminate tumors and prevent their spread. They can be used alone or as part of a treatment plan that includes radiation therapy and surgery called multimodal therapy. Doctors prescribe a set of chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma patients that are given in cycles over several weeks with periods of rest in between. The typical mesothelioma treatment lasts for a few hours and may cause negative side effects, such as fatigue and nausea. These side effects will diminish after each treatment.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is by obtaining scans of the abdomen or chest. The most frequently used imaging test is a CT (computerized tomography) scan, which offers three-dimensional images of organs and tissues. Doctors can also request an incision biopsy to collect mesothelioma tissues to test. The sample of tissue can be viewed under microscopes to determine the type of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease that can take several years before doctors are able to make the diagnosis. The medical community is trying to discover ways to detect mesothelioma earlier. One method is to measure the biomarker found in blood, called Soluble Mesothelin Related Peptides which are increased in patients with mesothelioma.
A biopsy may be all that is required to determine mesothelioma's early stages. However the procedure isn't always required, as the symptoms of a patient can be similar to symptoms of a number of illnesses. A mesothelioma diagnosis mistakenly made could be costly and deadly.
In the final mesothelioma stage, a combination of chemotherapy and surgery could lead to an effective cure. For instance, NYU Langone doctors treat peritoneal mesothelioma with a technique known as cytoreductive surgery, and HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy). In this procedure, a machine injects heated chemotherapy medication directly into the abdominal cavity, immediately following the surgical removal of visible cancerous tumors and tissues. This has helped to extend survival rates for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, which range from 38-92 months following the surgical/chemotherapy treatment combination.
The type of mesothelioma, the stage of the cancer as well as the results of a biopsy will determine if a patient is eligible for surgery. In addition the patient's age and health status can affect their prognosis.
Radiation
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in cells of the mesothelium. This is a membrane covering and protecting organs of the internal system. It is malignant tumor that could be spread (metastasize) to other organs in the body. The mesothelium consists of two layers that wrap around various organs such as the stomach and lungs. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as pneumonia or influenza. This can delay diagnosis or treatment. After exposure to asbestos, symptoms can take up to 50 years to show up.
In addition to surgery and chemotherapy radiation can also be used to treat mesothelioma. This type of therapy uses high energy rays and particle to kill cancerous cells, but not healthy ones. Radiation oncologists utilize special equipment to direct the radiation exactly where it's needed most. This reduces the side effects and complications that can result from the treatment. For instance, it can cause scarring on the tissue of your chest (radiation pneumonia).
Patients with early-stage and those with late-stage msothelioma have an improved outcome. The reason for this is that surgery can remove the cancerous tissues and improve the chances of survival. Many mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in later stages. In these instances, surgeons try to address the symptoms to prolong the lives of patients.
Surgeons can help by taking out the lung's lining or abdomen, where mesothelioma begins. They can also remove any accumulation of fluid that causes symptoms. Mesothelioma specialists collaborate with patients to develop multimodal treatment plans. They can use traditional methods such as chemotherapy as well as more recent methods such as immunotherapy.
The location and type of mesothelioma also determines the patient's prognosis. Some locations are more difficult to get rid of like the lung linings as well as the abdominal cavity. Experts in mesothelioma can recommend the most effective treatment to decrease the chance of recurrence and improve the quality of life.
In recent years, research on mesothelioma has gotten much more advanced. There are more treatment options than ever before. Finding a specialist in mesothelioma is one of the most beneficial decisions a patient can make. A specialist can guarantee the patient access to surgical options as well as the most up-to-date treatments, including immunotherapy.
Surgery
Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in advanced stages that has already expanded to other organs of the body. In these instances, treatment focuses on improving symptoms and prolonging life for as long as possible. This type of treatment is referred to as palliative care. This treatment is comprised of powerful painkillers as well as treatments such as regular drainage of fluid buildup in the chest.
Before any procedure, doctors carefully evaluate the health of the patient to determine if they are able to handle surgery and recovery. The evaluation includes physical examinations and imaging tests, such as X radiations and CT scanners. Doctors may also request blood chemistry and heart function tests to determine the overall health of the patient.
The type of mesothelioma that a patient has will determine the type of surgery they receive. Mixed and epithelial mesothelioma are more manageable than sarcomatoid and mixed types. A biopsy can be used to identify the type of mesothelioma.
If the cancer has spread to the lungs, doctors can perform extrapleural pneumonectomy, also known as EPP. They will remove a portion of the lining that is located on the lung and chest wall. This can improve breathing and reduce discomfort. It can also increase the life expectancy of patients when it is it is combined with radiation and chemotherapy.
In certain patients, mesothelioma may expand to the peritoneum, which is the layer of fat tissue that covers the abdominal organs. The mesothelioma can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. This is known as the peritoneal effusion or ascites. Doctors may drain the fluid with paracentesis, a procedure that is known as a surgical procedure, or place a tube into the abdomen to drain it regularly at home.
The pleura that surrounds the diaphragm as well as the lungs may also be affected by mesothelioma. A mesothelioma specialist may recommend a pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) surgery to remove part of the pleura and lymph glands in the chest. This can improve breathing and can even increase the lifespan.
Mesothelioma is a complex cancer, and even after surgery, there is still a chance that the tumors may recur. Mesothelioma specialists combine surgery with other treatment options like chemotherapy and radiation. They can kill any mesothelioma cells that surgeons may have missed during the procedure.
Immunotherapy
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. Scientists have discovered that it is caused by a series genetic mutations in the cells. Over time these abnormal cells build up and grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. There asbestos lung mesothelioma are a variety of mesothelioma, but it most often affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and less commonly the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
If a patient is given mesothelioma-related diagnosis doctors determine their life potential based on the kind of mesothelioma, the stage, and their overall health. These estimates are only estimates and may change as a result of new treatments.
Doctors have studied several immunotherapy treatment options for mesothelioma. These treatments target specific mesothelioma cell proteins and trigger a response from the immune system.
These include ipilimumab (also known as checkpoint inhibitors), pembrolizumab (also known as Nivolumab) and nivolumab. These are called "checkpoint inhibitors". They remove the proteins that act as a switch to prevent white blood cells from attacking mesothelioma. permitting the immune system to recognize and eliminate the cancer.
Other studies have employed vaccine strategies to stimulate immune system. These studies included injecting patients with interferon or GM CSF to stimulate the body to make its own antibodies against mesothelioma. However, these early trials had few or no responses and were associated with high toxicity.
Surgery can improve the quality of life of those suffering from pleural mesothelioma by decreasing pain, shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. The most popular procedure is a pleurectomy. It involves removing the affected lungs as well as a portion of the pleura. A video-assisted procedure is a different option for surgery. This involves using a small tubing to drain the fluid from the chest cavity.
People suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma could also benefit from surgery. If the cancer has not yet spread and resection is needed, it can be performed on the lining and adjacent structures of the abdomen to alleviate symptoms. Doctors may combine chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. It is crucial for patients who have mesothelioma, to seek out second opinions and consult with mesothelioma specialists regarding their options.