Mesothelioma Stage 3 Treatment
In addition to surgery, patients suffering from stage 3 mesothelioma are able to receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments can reduce symptoms and increase the chance of survival.
The TNM system of the American Joint Committee on Cancer is utilized by doctors to stage pleural melanoma. The staging system evaluates the size of the tumor and its extent, lymph node involvement and more.
Palliative Treatments
As someone progresses to the last stages of mesothelioma, treatment options are less extensive and they are more focused on palliative therapies. The goal of this is to ease symptoms of pain, discomfort and other symptoms related to the disease and its treatments. Palliative care can help patients to improve their quality of life and focus on spending time with loved ones.
It is important for people suffering from mesothelioma to seek an additional opinion and discuss their treatment plan with an experienced specialist. This can help them decide whether their current treatment is effective or if they would benefit from different methods. It can also allow them to explore new treatment options they weren't aware of.
Stage 3 mesothelioma can be characterized by cancer that has spread to adjacent organs. This can cause pain, such as chest or stomach discomfort and breathing difficulties. Patients with these symptoms should see an emergency physician immediately to avoid misdiagnosis, like bronchitis or pneumonia.
A mesothelioma expert will recommend alternative treatments for patients in advanced stages of the disease. These treatments can improve a patient’s quality-of-life. These include chemotherapy, pain management and radiation therapy.
These types of procedures do not cure mesothelioma nor prolong the life expectancy of patients. They do, however, help to reduce or alleviate some symptoms, including pain. For instance, doctors could use electrical devices that send a pulse of electricity to nerves in order to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Patients can also be given injections of anesthetics in order to block pain signals.
Chemotherapy
Treatment can help improve the outlook for people suffering from mesothelioma stage 3. Doctors can offer hope to patients based on their own response to treatment and other factors, such as their general health and age.
Mesothelioma is diagnosed by chest X-rays and imaging scans such as CT, MRI and PET scans. These tests may reveal signs of mesothelioma, such as swelling of the pleural wall or pleural lining. These tests can also confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis.
After mesothelioma spreads to lymph nodes it becomes harder to treat because cancer cells can more easily enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs. This is the reason doctors frequently give patients with mesothelioma stage 3, a lower survival rate than those who have stages 1 and 2.
If the mesothelioma has reached stage 3, some surgeons may still remove tumors and affected tissues that are visible on an imaging test. Extrapleural pneumonectomy may be performed in cases of pleural cancer.
Many elderly mesothelioma sufferers are unable to tolerate the removal of a lung, and so some surgeons suggest a less invasive procedure known as pleurectomy with décortication (P/D). This procedure eliminates cancerous tissue however it does not remove the diaphragm or lung.
Doctors may use chemotherapy to kill mesothelioma tumor cells that remain after surgery, or in places where they have spread such as the lymph nodes. They can administer chemotherapy through intravenous infusions (IV) or subcutaneous injections. Some patients prefer to use an IV connection device, or port, placed under the skin to prevent needle sticks. Some patients receive oral chemotherapy in pill form or through a vein.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can be used for those who are not suitable for surgery to remove any remaining cancerous cells. Chemotherapy and radiation are often used together to maximize the effectiveness of both treatments. This multimodal approach can aid in increasing the life expectancy of mesothelioma in stage 3.
Imaging tests are employed by doctors to determine the degree of mesothelioma lining on the chest wall. These tests include Xrays CT scans and PET scans. These tests can detect changes in the lining of the chest wall which can be a sign of cancerous tumors. These tests can reveal fluid in the chest cavity, referred to as an the pleural effusion. The fluid can be drained or a procedure called pleurodesis is carried out to stop the accumulation of fluid.
The ability of a patient to undergo surgery is contingent upon a variety of factors, including their mesothelioma type and location of their tumors and how well they respond to treatments. Small, localized tumors are easier to eliminate than larger, more extensive ones. Doctors also take into consideration the patient's overall health and well-being in deciding whether or not they should undergo surgery.
If a patient with mesothelioma of the pleural treatment for stage 3 mesothelioma is not able to undergo surgery, alternative procedures are possible to alleviate symptoms. These include décortication and pleurectomy. This less aggressive procedure removes the pleural lining and visible tumors, while remaining the lung in good condition. Doctors perform this procedure in conjunction with chemotherapy such as pemetrexed (Alimta) and cisplatin.
Mesothelioma clinical trials give patients the opportunity to receive new treatments that could increase survival rates. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients find the right trial. Patients can also find support groups that can help them stay engaged and fight for survival.
Immunotherapy
In this stage, the cancer has spread beyond its original site to nearby tissues and nodes. Mesothelioma symptoms, like chest pain and difficulty breathing due to the accumulation of fluid are usually more severe in this stage.
Mesothelioma staging allows doctors to determine the extent of cancer and formulate the most efficient treatment plan. Doctors stage mesothelioma by considering various factors such as the size and location of the tumors, if the cancer has spread to the lining of the heart (peritoneal) as well as how far the cancer has spread.
Staging also considers the general health of the patient and the distance or proximity of the tumor is from vital organs like the lungs, heart, and diaphragm. If a tumor is located too close to a vital organ, it may not be suitable to be surgically removed even if there are other treatment options.
Immunotherapy is another option to treat mesothelioma in stage 3. It works by boosting the body's natural defense against cancer cells. Doctors can incorporate immunotherapy with other treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation.
Immunotherapy includes a variety of treatments, including cytokines and monoclonal antibodies. These treatments are created to allow cancer cells to be targeted by specific proteins, and to trigger the immune system to kill these cells.
Patients who receive immunotherapy may also receive nutritional assistance, naturopathic help, oncology rehab, and behavioral health services. These therapies can help reduce side effects during treatment and improve quality of life. They can also help patients manage stress better and reduce the impact mesothelioma causes on their lives. Patients who maintain an active lifestyle during their treatment have a higher chance of survival than those who don't. This is especially applicable to patients who have significant lymph node involvement at stage 3.
Complementary Therapies
As the disease gets worse to stage 3 patients with pleural mesothelioma have worsening symptoms and cancer can spread to the abdomen or chest. Doctors may conduct an invasive thoracentesis in this stage to remove fluids and ease breathing difficulties.
Patients with mesothelioma could also undergo more aggressive surgery like extrapleural pneumonectomy or pleurectomy. Both surgeries remove a portion of the diaphragm, as well as the lining of lungs. The patient can then receive chemotherapy or radiation to improve their chances of survival.
Some doctors support using standard treatments such as radiation, surgery and chemotherapy to increase the chance of survival for mesothelioma patients. This is referred to as multimodal therapy. Numerous studies have shown improved survival rates for patients who receive a combination of therapies.
Complementary therapies are alternative health practices that help reduce stress and anxiety as well as boost the immune system and alleviate certain symptoms of cancer. These techniques include acupuncture and yoga, tai chi, meditation, and relaxation methods.
Patients are able to discuss complementary treatments with their mesothelioma nurse or doctor. They must continue to take the medication prescribed and follow the treatment schedule.
If they have any concerns about exposure to asbestos or how it may affect their health, mesothelioma patients must seek legal advice from a mesothelioma attorney. Lawyers can assist victims in obtaining compensation through an asbestos suit, and pursue other benefits offered by the government like Social Security Disability Insurance for veterans or VA benefits.
The majority of asbestos victims don't realize they have mesothelioma until it reaches stage 3 or 4. For the right diagnosis and treatment, asbestos victims should consult a mesothelioma expert. Our free Mesothelioma guide will help you learn more about mesothelioma and the impact it has on a patient's outlook.