Question: What is mesothelioma?
Answer: Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, when it is disturbed, releases particles or dust that become lodged in the lungs or abdomen of the person that has swallowed or inhaled them. Cells eventually mass together and become tumors.
Question: How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Answer: There are several ways in which mesothelioma can be diagnosed. The use of imaging software is very important, like MRI scans, CAT scans or the common x-ray. Biopsies and blood tests are also used to diagnose mesothelioma.
Question: What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?
Answer: Mesothelioma is not curable however some of the symptoms can be alleviated with certain treatments. These treatments can include: radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and/or alternative remedies.
Question: What are clinical trials?
Answer: Clinical trials are a series of tests that try out a drug not yet available to the general public in a specific method on people to see how the drug acts, see possible side effects and to gather data about how it performs. These trials are conducted by hospitals and cancer treatment centers.
Question: Are medications available for the treatment of Mesothelioma?
Answer: There are medications used to help shrink tumors and prevent the build-up of cancerous cells. It’s important to understand that there is no medication to cure for the disease once a person’s been diagnosed. The medications available can help to relieve the symptoms and reduce a person’s pain.