Mesothelioma Treatment Technique: Photodynamic Therapy
Article by Jason Wentworth
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that presently has no cure. However, there are experimental treatments available that may improve the quality of life for some mesothelioma patients. Some mesothelioma treatment techniques are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, gene therapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of bodily cavities such as the chest or abdomen. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was used in products such as roofing shingles, floor tiles, clutches, cement siding panels, roofing felts and brake pads. Working with asbestos products involves a risk that asbestos fibers will be released and then inhaled. After asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the chest or abdominal cavity. The trapped asbestos fibers can lead to the development of various types of malignant mesothelioma such as pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdomen.
Photodynamic therapy for mesothelioma cancer
Photodynamic therapy is a treatment technique involving the use of a drug known as a photosensitizing agent and a certain type of light. When the photosensitizing agent comes into contact with a certain type of light, a form of oxygen is produced that kills nearby cells. Photodynamic therapy is used to treat tumors that exist on the skin or just below the skin or on the lining of internal organs. Photodynamic therapy has been used to treat skin cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma cancer. Photodynamic therapy is usually not effective for mesothelioma patients whose cancer has spread too far.
Photodynamic therapy: Side effects
For approximately 6 weeks after photodynamic therapy, the patient’s eyes and skin may be sensitive to light. This side-effect can be managed however by avoiding direct exposure to bright light. Other possible side-effects include burns, scarring, swelling and pain in healthy tissue that is near the cancerous area.
About Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma attorneys
The law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg is the leading mesothelioma law firm in the U.S. Many retired workers such as mechanics and sheet metal workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer have turned to a Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma attorney for financial assistance. Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma attorneys have won millions of dollars in mesothelioma cancer cases. For a free mesothelioma lawsuit review, please visit http://www.weitzlux.com. For further information on jobs that involve the risk of developing mesothelioma, visit http://www.mesotheliomajobs.com.
About the Author
Jason works closely with the mesothelioma lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg in raising public awareness of the dangers of asbestos. He is an experienced paralegal.