Mesothelioma Chemotherapy - 5 Commonly Asked Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Questions

1. What is chemotherapy for mesothelioma? Chemotherapy involves one or more anti-cancer drugs taken either orally in pill form, or intravenously, or, in the case of pleural mesothelioma, injected directly into the lungs. These drugs inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, but they also damage normal healthy cells as well leading to the development of side effects.

2. What are the common side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy? Side effects are very common with the use of many Chemotherapy agents. The commonly seen side effects include:

* hair loss

* nausea

* vomiting

* diarrhea

* constipation

* anemia

* hemorrhaging

Chemotherapy also causes many complicated side effects within the cancerous growth. It is not uncommon in mesothelioma cases to have secondary neoplasms, which are cancerous offshoots of the original tumor that have redirected their growth due to the introduction of anti-cancer drugs.

3. What are the other risks of chemotherapy? Furthermore, chemotherapy often increases the chances of toxic reactions in the blood, liver, and kidneys, contributing to the potential fatal nature of chemotherapy treatment. Because chemotherapy suppresses the immune system by decreasing antibodies in the bloodstream, patients undergoing chemotherapy are vulnerable to having common infections and illnesses. Other complications are mouth sores which, in combination with the overwhelming nausea and intestinal discomfort caused by chemotherapy, results in many patients failing to eat a healthy diet.

4. What can you do if chemotherapy does not work? If you suffer from mesothelioma and chemotherapy has failed you, then you should consult with an attorney experienced in handling asbestos-related litigation. You have a right to pursue legal action to seek justice from those who wronged you. Don't delay, for the laws in your state limit the amount of time you have to collect damages, and these statutes of limitations can end your case before it can begin. Contact a lawyer today.

5. Does chemotherapy work well on mesothelioma? Chemotherapy does not result in a cure for mesothelioma as the cancer is usually too advanced at the time of diagnosis. Newer chemotherapy agents however are very useful in providing symptomatic relief and prolonging the life span of patients especially when used in combination with other modalities of treatment like surgery and radiotherapy.