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What is Mesothelioma?

It is a type of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue covering most of the body’s internal organs (the mesothelium).

There is a greater probability of it occurring in the lining of the lungs (pleural). Still, it can also occur in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal) and the heart (pericardial).

Is Mesothelioma a Small Cell of Cancer?

No, It is not a small-cell type of cancer. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a type of lung cancer that is characterized by the presence of small, round cancer cells.

On the other hand, it is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen and can be classified into three types: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic.

Epithelioid is the most common type of mesothelioma and is characterized by the presence of cells that resemble normal epithelial cells.

Sarcomatoid is characterized by the presence of cells that resemble sarcoma cells, which are typically found in bone and soft tissue tumors.

Biphasic is a combination of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

Most Common Causes

The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral widely used in building materials and other industrial products because of its heat resistance and insulation properties.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, heart, or abdominal cavity, and over time, can lead to the development of mesothelioma.

So, we can say that the biggest risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. It represents up to 80% of all cases. Asbestos fibers can transfer on skin and clothing, thus living with someone who works with it may raise a person’s risk of developing mesothelioma.

Other causes of mesothelioma include exposure to other types of mineral fibers, such as erionite, and radiation exposure.

How Long Can You Live With Mesothelioma Cancer?

The survival rate for mesothelioma can vary widely depending on several factors, including the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, the type of mesothelioma, and the patient’s overall health.

On average, people with mesothelioma live for about 12-21 months after diagnosis. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, some patients can live for much longer.

For people diagnosed with mesothelioma in its early stages and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy, the survival rate can be as high as 50%. But if cancer has progressed to later stages, the survival rate can be as low as 5%.

It’s important to note that these are only averages and survival rates may vary greatly depending on an individual’s specific circumstances and the aggressiveness of their treatment. It’s best to consult with a specialized doctor and have a personalized treatment plan.

How treatable is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is generally considered challenging cancer to treat, and the prognosis for individuals with the disease is often poor.

However, treatment options are available and the approach to treatment will depend on the stage of cancer, the cell type, and the patient’s overall health.

What is the best treatment for mesothelioma?

• Chemotherapy, if it was not given as initial treatment.
• Surgery
• Radiation
• Immunotherapy

1. Chemotherapy

If chemotherapy was not given as an initial treatment, it may still be used as a second-line treatment. This means that if cancer has progressed or recurred after initial treatment, chemotherapy can be used to help slow the progression of cancer.

Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for mesothelioma, especially when cancer has progressed and surgery is not an option or has not been successful. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of chemotherapy varies from person to person and that it may come with some side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. It is important to discuss with a specialized doctor the potential benefits and risks of chemotherapy, especially regarding the stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health.

2. Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment option for mesothelioma, and it can be used to remove as much cancer as possible. There are different types of surgery for mesothelioma, including pleurectomy, which removes the lining of the lung and the tumor, and extrapleural pneumonectomy, which removes the entire lung, the lining of the chest, and part of the diaphragm.

3. Radiation

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also commonly used to treat mesothelioma. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These treatments can be used alone or in combination with surgery.

4. Immunotherapy

A newer form of treatment, immunotherapy, has shown promise in treating mesothelioma. Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps to boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

In addition to these traditional treatments, clinical trials are also an option for some patients to try new treatments that are not yet widely available.

Final words

Finally, in short, Mesothelioma is challenging cancer to treat, and the best treatment plan will depend on the individual patient and the specifics of their case. The main treatment options for mesothelioma are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Surgery is the most common treatment option and it can be used to remove as much of cancer as possible. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a newer form of treatment that helps to boost the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.

A combination of treatments is generally considered the most effective way to manage the disease. If cancer has progressed or recurred after initial treatment, chemotherapy can be used as a second-line treatment. Clinical trials are also an option for some patients to try new treatments that are not yet widely available.

It is important to consult with a specialized doctor to discuss the best treatment plan for you, weigh the potential benefits and risks of each treatment, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
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