Mesothelioma Treatment Florida: Comprehensive Guide to Treatment Options and Centers in Florida

Welcome to our guide on mesothelioma treatment in Florida!

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of this disease, and Florida has a high incidence rate due to its industrial past.

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but rest assured that there are various treatment options available in Florida to help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about mesothelioma treatment in Florida and the centers that provide them.

Understanding Mesothelioma Treatment in Florida: A Complete Guide

Introduction:

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of vital organs such as the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Florida has a higher incidence of mesothelioma cases due to its industrial past. The disease has a long latency period, meaning the symptoms usually manifest decades after exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is not curable, but various treatment options are available in Florida to manage the symptoms, prolong your life, and improve your quality of life.

At the time of diagnosis, it’s crucial to seek medical attention from mesothelioma specialists who are experienced in treating the disease. In Florida, several centers specialize in mesothelioma treatment, including:

Center Name	Treatment Options	Contact Information
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center	Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, clinical trials	1475 N.W. 12th Ave. Miami, FL 33136 Phone: 305-243-1000 Website: umiamihealth.org/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center
Moffitt Cancer Center	Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, clinical trials	12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 Phone: 813-745-4673 Website: moffitt.org
Ocala Health Cancer Center	Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery	1431 SW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 Phone: 352-873-7400 Website: ocalahealthsystem.com/service/cancer-care

Mesothelioma Treatment Options in Florida:

1. Surgery:

Surgery is the most effective treatment option for mesothelioma, but not all patients are eligible, depending on the stage of the disease. Mesothelioma surgery aims to remove as much tumor as possible or alleviate symptoms by removing fluid buildup caused by the cancer.

Specialized surgical procedures used in mesothelioma treatment include:

• Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D): Removes the affected lung lining and any visible tumors.
• Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): Removes the affected lung lining, the lung itself, and the surrounding tissue, lymph nodes, and tumors.

Florida mesothelioma centers, such as Moffitt Cancer Center and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, have experienced surgeons who specialize in mesothelioma surgery.

2. Radiation Therapy:

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to shrink or kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or combined with other treatment options in mesothelioma patients. Radiation therapy helps alleviate symptoms such as pain and difficulty breathing.

In Florida, several centers, such as Moffitt Cancer Center, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Ocala Health Cancer Center, provide radiation therapy as part of mesothelioma treatment.

3. Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to shrink or kill cancer cells. It is the most common treatment option for mesothelioma and can be administered orally or intravenously. In some cases, chemotherapy is combined with other treatment options such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Florida mesothelioma centers provide various chemotherapy regimens, including standard chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Targeted therapy involves using drugs that target specific proteins or molecules found in cancer cells and not normal cells.

4. Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment option for mesothelioma that involves using drugs that help the patient’s immune system fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs can be used alone or in combination with other treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

Florida mesothelioma centers, such as Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, provide several immunotherapy options, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy.

Mesothelioma Treatment FAQs:

1. How long can a mesothelioma patient live?

It’s challenging to predict how long a mesothelioma patient can live as it depends on several factors such as the stage of the disease, type of mesothelioma, and the patient’s overall health. However, with proper treatment, some mesothelioma patients have lived for several years beyond the initial diagnosis.

2. Is mesothelioma curable?

Mesothelioma is not curable, but several treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.

3. Can mesothelioma be prevented?

Mesothelioma can be prevented by avoiding exposure to asbestos, which is the primary cause of the disease. It’s crucial to wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines when handling asbestos in industrial settings.

4. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, and biopsy, where a sample of tissue is taken for examination in a laboratory.

5. Is mesothelioma hereditary?

No, mesothelioma is not hereditary.

6. Are clinical trials available for mesothelioma treatment?

Yes, several clinical trials are ongoing in Florida and other states to test the effectiveness and safety of new mesothelioma treatment options.

7. How much does mesothelioma treatment cost?

The cost of mesothelioma treatment varies depending on the type of treatment, stage of the disease, and the patient’s insurance coverage. However, mesothelioma patients can seek financial assistance from several sources, such as mesothelioma trusts and veterans’ benefits.

Conclusion:

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of vital organs. Florida has a higher incidence of mesothelioma cases due to its industrial past. However, several mesothelioma centers in Florida provide various treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, to manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention from mesothelioma specialists when diagnosed with the disease, and Florida has experienced specialists who provide the necessary care. We hope this guide provides you with useful information about mesothelioma treatment in Florida and helps you make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Closing Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article does not constitute medical advice, and it’s crucial to consult with a mesothelioma specialist before making any treatment decisions. The authors and publishers of this article are not responsible for any consequences resulting from the use of this information.