Wow fashion......

Despite years of research since mesothelioma was first identified, it’s still difficult to identify the best approach to treating the disease, says David Rice, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon and nationally known mesothelioma expert who practices at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. The very rareness of the cancer — only about 3,000 people a year are diagnosed in the United States—makes it difficult to run the kind of research studies needed to compare treatments and determine the ideal therapy at each stage of the disease. “There isn’t a lot of evidence-based science in this disease,” Dr. Rice admits. So when his patients ask him what the best treatment is for the disease, he tells them what we tell you in this section, adding that “we don’t have a reliable cure for mesothelioma.” Thus, a major goal of treatment is to reduce pain and suffering and prolong a patient’s life as long as possible while providing them with the highest quality of life possible. Choosing the right mesothelioma doctor is an important first step in planning for treatment. There are a number of mesothelioma doctors practicing in specialized clinics throughout the country. Each of these cancer specialists has an acute knowledge of the behavior and pathology of malignant mesothelioma and its treatment. It is likely that if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you will be referred by your personal physician to a larger scale comprehensive cancer center. Important considerations in determining a mesothelioma treatment plan include the cancer stage, primary site affected and cell type. Treatment options also depend on whether the cancer is localized to the chest or has spread to the chest wall, diaphragm, or lymph nodes as well as your age and overall health. Recommended treatment plans will also vary based on available resources and any ongoing clinical trials at the cancer center where you’re being treated. Learn more about finding a doctor here. You should be prepared when you meet with your doctor by being ready to ask these questions. Conventional treatments for mesothelioma involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. As with most solid tumors, doctors turn to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy to manage mesothelioma. When exploring the various treatment options available with your doctor it is important to be informed about the risk and benefits of each one before making a final decision. Surgery Only about 1 in 5 patients with metastatic pleural mesothelioma undergo surgery. There are two main surgeries: pleurectomy/decortication, in which the surgeon tries to remove as much of the tumor from around the lung as possible, and the more radical extrapleural pneumonectomy, in which the lung itself is removed. Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/#ixzz3k5b0J9kt - See more at: http://tv.usmart9.com/product/detail?v=hXIfbU4ceQU#sthash.ICKrTO6y.dpuf