Malignant mesothelioma treatment options generally fall into the following categories – surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or radiation therapy. These four treatment modalities are the major “conventional” or “mainstream” treatment options for malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is very aggressive form of cancer where the tumor grows up against anything it contacts often invading surrounding structures and organs. As a result, malignant mesothelioma treatment is often limited as with other advanced, aggressive, and metastatic cancers. The goal in treating malignant mesothelioma becomes one focused simply on extending one’s life.
Important questions to ask your doctor about malignant mesothelioma treatments include:
- What is the effectiveness or efficacy of the mesothelioma treatment?
- Is the malignant mesothelioma treatment designed to cure (curative) or designed to improve symptoms (palliative)?
- What are the side effects of the mesothelioma treatment?
- How long will the mesothelioma treatment last?
A critical aspect of going with a particular mesothelioma treatment is that you believe in it and have full confidence that it will work. It is also critical that you have a good rapport with and confidence in your doctor. Finally, find out as much as you can about your mesothelioma treatment so that you understand your treatment and be more positive that it will work for you.
