Stages of Mesothelioma CancerMesothelioma has four stages. The first stage is the earliest of the disease and consists of mesothelioma not quite yet beginning. People with stage 1 mesothelioma have the best chances of getting the cancerous cells removed. As the stages advances, however, so does the disease, with Stage 4 being the final stage.Stage 2 of the disease still renders hope for the victims since the tumor, although growing, has still not spread to the point in which surgery is not an option. Stage 2 is only slightly more threatening than Stage 1, with the main difference being that the tumor has now begun to spread from its origination. It hasn’t invaded any organs at this point of the disease, but getting treatment quickly is crucial.Once a victim reaches Stage 3, the disease has spread to specific parts of the body and prognosis is much shorter when compared to the previous stages. However, if the tumor is in mass, surgery may still be an option for qualified patients.If the disease reaches the final stage, the prognosis is grim, and physicians tend to look for palliative treatments as opposed to curative treatments. Palliative treatments concentrate on helping victims manage pain and prolong their lives instead of attempting to remove the tumors. In the majority of cases, the tumors are far too widespread during this stage to be surgically removed. This is not to say that curative treatments are not an option for Stage 4 patients, but generally speaking, the cancer has spread too far to successfully remove it all.Unfortunately, many victims may not even know they have mesothelioma until its final stage since it takes decades for the first symptoms to show up, which results in many patients not starting treatment when curative options would have been more successful. It’s absolutely crucial to seek medical checkups if you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos, even if you have no symptoms.Mesothelioma Cancer PrognosisMesothelioma cancer currently has no cure, rendering prognosis grim for patients. It’s important to remember, however, that each patient is different and while one person may survive a year, another person may go on to live decades. It’s imperative to work with your physician on the best treatment options for you and your unique situation.Mesothelioma Cancer TreatmentsChemotherapy, radiation, or the combination of both has proven to be the most effective mesothelioma treatments so far. However, if the disease is caught in its early stages, surgery is almost always recommended in order to remove the cancer, pending that the patient meets certain health and age requirements. Older patients and/or patients in weak health conditions may not be able to withstand the physical demands required for surgery.If the disease is in its advanced stages, particularly stage 4 , multimodal treatment options are usually utilized, meaning a combination of two treatments, typically chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery is rarely an option for the latest stages of the disease as aforementioned, since the health of the patient along with the spreading of the tumor makes surgery extremely risky.Another possible future option is in the form of a vaccine. Known as the CRS-207, the vaccination works by boosting the immune system enough to attack the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Although its still in its trial phase, several patients who participate in a clinical trial extended their life expectancy rates. The patients’ disease stages ranged from early to advanced stages. For more detailed information on the CRS-207, contact your physician.Aside from or along with traditional treatments, many mesothelioma patients have opted for a range of complementary and alternative treatments. Specific herbs and vitamins, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and holistic healing are among a few of the examples that can be utilized. Although many alternative treatments are not recognized in traditional medical practices, an array of physicians are coming around and taking notice of how effective these non-traditional treatments can be. In some cases, physicians have opened up their own alternative medicine practice.
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