Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Gresham mesothelioma treatment. Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly disease caused by asbestos exposure. Gresham, a city in Oregon, has a high incidence of mesothelioma due to its history of shipbuilding, construction, and other trades that used asbestos-containing materials. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of mesothelioma, its causes, symptoms, and most importantly, its treatment options.
The Silent Killer: Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most of our internal organs, known as the mesothelium. The disease is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used for insulation, roofing, and other construction purposes due to its heat-resistant properties. When asbestos fibers are ingested or inhaled, they get lodged in the mesothelium and cause inflammation and scarring, leading to cell mutations and cancer.
Unlike other cancers, mesothelioma has a long latency period, which means that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure, sometimes even up to 50 years. By the time the cancer is diagnosed, it’s usually in its advanced stages, making it challenging to treat. However, with the right therapy, it’s possible to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and even increase survival rates.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the pleura, the tissue that covers the lungs and chest wall. Symptoms include:
| Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma |
|---|
| Shortness of breath |
| Chest pain |
| Dry cough |
| Fatigue |
| Weight loss |
Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal, which affects the tissue lining the abdomen, and pericardial, which affects the tissue surrounding the heart. Symptoms of these types of mesothelioma include abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.
The Basics of Gresham Mesothelioma Treatment
Gresham has a high incidence of mesothelioma due to its history of shipbuilding, construction, and other trades that used asbestos-containing materials. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to mesothelioma patients in the Gresham area.
What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?
The treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. The most common treatments include:
Surgery
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for mesothelioma patients. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible and alleviate symptoms. There are two main types of surgery used for mesothelioma:
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): EPP is a radical surgery that involves removing the affected lung, the lining surrounding the lung, the diaphragm, and the lymph nodes in the chest. This type of surgery is typically reserved for patients with early-stage mesothelioma who are otherwise healthy.
Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): P/D is a less radical surgery that involves removing the lining surrounding the lung and any visible tumors. This type of surgery is typically reserved for patients with early-stage mesothelioma who are not candidates for EPP.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy. The most common chemotherapy drugs used for mesothelioma are cisplatin and pemetrexed.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy involves using high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy. The most common type of radiation therapy used for mesothelioma is external beam radiation therapy.
What are the side effects of mesothelioma treatment?
As with any cancer treatment, there are potential side effects to mesothelioma treatment. The type and severity of side effects depend on the type of treatment and the overall health of the patient. Some common side effects of mesothelioma treatment include:
Surgical side effects
Side effects of surgery may include pain, bleeding, infection, and scarring. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing and reduced lung capacity after surgery.
Chemotherapy side effects
Side effects of chemotherapy may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and increased risk of infection.
Radiation therapy side effects
Side effects of radiation therapy may include skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
FAQs about Gresham Mesothelioma Treatment
1. Can mesothelioma be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma, but with the right therapy, it’s possible to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and even increase survival rates.
2. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, and a biopsy, which involves taking a tissue sample for analysis.
3. What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, radiation exposure, and a family history of mesothelioma.
4. Can mesothelioma be prevented?
The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry where you may be exposed to asbestos, be sure to follow proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and using proper ventilation.
5. Is mesothelioma contagious?
No, mesothelioma is not contagious.
6. Can mesothelioma affect children?
Mesothelioma is rare in children, but it can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, either through environmental exposure or exposure from a family member who works with asbestos.
7. How long does mesothelioma take to develop?
Mesothelioma has a long latency period, which means that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure, sometimes even up to 50 years.
8. How much does mesothelioma treatment cost?
The cost of mesothelioma treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the type and duration of treatment. Patients may be eligible for financial assistance through insurance, government programs, or mesothelioma-specific organizations.
9. What is the survival rate for mesothelioma?
The survival rate for mesothelioma depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the age and overall health of the patient, and the type of treatment received. On average, the five-year survival rate for mesothelioma is around 10%.
10. What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a type of care that focuses on improving quality of life for patients with serious illness, such as mesothelioma. It’s intended to relieve symptoms and provide emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families.
11. What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves using the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. It often involves using drugs that boost the immune system’s response to cancer cells.
12. How can I find a mesothelioma specialist in Gresham?
To find a mesothelioma specialist in Gresham, you can start by contacting your primary care physician or local cancer treatment center. You can also search online for mesothelioma specialists in your area or contact mesothelioma-specific organizations for referrals.
13. How can I support mesothelioma research?
You can support mesothelioma research by donating to mesothelioma-specific organizations, participating in clinical trials, or advocating for increased funding f
or mesothelioma research.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly disease caused by asbestos exposure. With a long latency period and difficult diagnosis, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for mesothelioma patients in Gresham, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, with the right therapy, it’s possible to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and even increase survival rates. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, don’t hesitate to seek professional help and support.
Take Action Now!
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to seek medical attention and professional help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mesothelioma-specific organizations, cancer treatment centers, and other resources for support and advice. By taking action now, you can help improve your quality of life and increase your chances of survival.
Closing Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
