Asbestos was a commonly used building material throughout the 1970s and 80s. Unfortunately, it was eventually discovered that exposure to this material was a causal factor in contracting mesothelioma, a severe type of lung cancer.
Consequently, legislation has largely restricted the use of asbestos in construction, but traces of it still exist. Due to the delayed onset of mesothelioma and its symptoms, it can be years after the date of exposure when patients realize they have the disease.
There is no known cure for mesothelioma, but there are treatments that can relieve symptoms and increase the life expectancy of those who have been afflicted. Outlined below are some of the more common treatments.
1. The surgical option
Surgery is often useful in terms of removing large proportions of cancerous tissue. Surgical techniques can also be utilized to drain fluid from the lungs, which enhances the breathing of the patient.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be beneficial post-op or as a course of treatment on its own. The aim of this technique is to kill as many cancer cells as possible to slow the growth and spread of malignant tissue.
3. Radiation
Surgery and chemotherapy aren’t always feasible, and this is where radiation comes in. This treatment involves the use of high-energy beams which target cancer cells to limit their spread and alleviate the patient’s symptoms.
These are just some of the more common treatments for mesothelioma. Your healthcare team will be able to provide you with much more information. You should also think about your legal options if your illness was caused by exposure to asbestos. You may be entitled to compensation that can provide security for your family and financial aid for medical care.
