After the tumor is found and staged, your doctor will talk to you about treatment options. The main factors in choosing a treatment are the size and place of the tumor, whether it has spread, your overall health, and your own preferences.
Because this is a rare cancer, it has been hard for doctors to compare the value of different treatments. Since many doctors have little or no experience treating this disease, you may be referred to a specialist at a large medical center. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or more than one of these combined. One problem with treating mesothelioma is that it does not grow as a single tumor. Instead, it tends to spread along surfaces, nerves, and blood vessels. This makes it hard for treatment to get rid of all of the disease.
You may have different types of doctors on your treatment team, depending on the stage of your cancer and your treatment options. These doctors may include:
- A thoracic surgeon: a doctor who treats diseases of the lungs and chest with surgery.
- A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.
- A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy.
- A pulmonologist: a doctor who specializes in medical treatment of diseases of the lungs.
Many other experts may be involved in your care as well, such as nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, and other health professionals.
Mesothelioma is rare, so if time permits it is a good idea to get an opinion from a doctor who has a lot of experience in treating people with this cancer. A second opinion can give you more information and help you feel better about the treatment choice you make.
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