Make him believe in the treatment: a job of mesothelioma doctors!
11/02/2007
When the patient is undergoing any kind of treatment for malignant mesothelioma, he suffers from some side effects as a result of treatment. If he is undergoing chemotherapy, he is going to suffer from hair loss, loss of appetite and general weakness. He needs extra care not to feel depressed during the whole episode. It is the duty of the doctors and the patients’ relatives to help him maintain the positive outlook.
If the tumor is localized, the doctors may advise him radical resection of the cancer by surgery. But as the cancer is detected in late stages usually, radical surgery is possible only in a few patients. In patients in second stage onwards, a multi-modal therapy is used comprising of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation if required. Along with these traditional modes of treatment, the patient is also advised to go for clinical trials depending upon his condition and vitality.
During the whole process, it is taxing for the patient physically, mentally and emotionally. Unless he gets firm support from family and friends, it is difficult for him to go into remission faster. In short, mesothelioma is a cancer that needs extra care than other cancers. The symptoms patient suffers from are usually severe and they need early intervention. It is the malignant mesothelioma physician who can develop a good rapport between himself and the patient, to believe him in the treatment.