Mesothelioma is the name given to the specific type of carcinoma which develops in the mesothelial cells lining the lungs or abdominal organs. The causative agent for the rare disease is discovered to be the asbestos fibers which contain zeolite. There are several traditional, innovative and unconventional treatment methods available for the patients suffering with benign or malignant Mesothelioma. In order to select a specific mode of treatment, there are a few factors which require to be considered such as the spot where the cancer is located, the patient’s age and the stage of disease.

Surgery is one of the most significant treatment options for Mesothelioma. Being widely conducted as the benign Mesothelioma treatment, surgical methods are classified into two types; extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decortication. Pneumonectomy involves the removal of the entire infected lung while pleurectomy amputates a part of the affected lung and the chest lining.

Chemotherapy is also used for destroying the Mesothelioma infected cells. It requires the injection of antineoplastic drugs into veins or directly into the lungs. However, the administration of these drugs may cause several side-effects including nausea, anemia, hemorrhaging, constipation, diarrhea, and hair loss. Chemotherapy is usually conducted along with the radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy is a non-selective method to destroy cancerous cells at the molecular level. Radiations in the forms of X-rays and high-energy rays are emitted from specialized machines or radioactive sources and are condensed at the tumor site. Nowadays, radiations can be introduced into the body through tubes, wires, catheters, and needles. Radiation therapy aids in reducing the size of tumors to considerable extents, however the location of the tumor, sometimes, may serve as a hindrance for the radiations to target the tumor effectively.

Apart from the traditional treatment methods, there are a number of advanced therapies being used for treating the Mesothelioma sufferers. Photodynamic therapy is one of the most innovatory treatment methods which involves the administration of photosensitizer drugs and lights of specified wavelengths. The photosensitizer drugs bind themselves to the cancerous cells and produce toxic oxygen when exposed to high intensity light, thus destroying the malignant cells.  Immunotherapy, gene therapy, and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) are a few other revolutionary treatment options.

Medications including therapeutic drugs such as Alimta (Pemetrexed), Cisplatin, Onconase (Ranpirnase), Veglin and Vinorelbine can also be consumed for curing Mesothelioma.

Unconventional and alternative treatments consisting of acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs, massage, etc. are also brought into play to relieve the pain of victims. Different forms of holistic healing methods including chiropractic, aromatherapy and yoga contribute in eliminating the agony of disease.

Mesothelioma is a highly lethal disease infecting hundreds of people each year. However, early diagnosis and the administration of the appropriate treatment method can help in improving the lung function and alleviating the disease to an appreciable extent.