Following the discovery, diagnosis, and staging of mesothelioma cancer, your doctor will begin discussing treatment options with you. Factors which may affect these courses of treatment include the tumor size and location, its stage, your health, and your particular concerns or preferences.  These considerations are especially important when discussing mesothelioma, due to this cancer’s aggressiveness and poor response to treatments in its later stages.

Treatment Obstacles

Unfortunately, due to this cancer’s rarity, it has been difficult for doctors to comprehensively compare and evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments. Furthermore, few doctors have experience actually treating patients who develop mesothelioma, meaning you may need to travel to a specialist or receive a referral to a large medical center. Nevertheless, several courses of mesothelioma treatment have been developed, including combinations of traditional cancer treatments and therapies, which is known as multimodal treatment.

Medical Experts

Mesothelioma can develop in several different locations in the body, meaning several different types of doctors may be called on for treatment, including the following:

• Thoracic surgeon: Surgically treats lung and chest diseases
• Pulmonologist: Specializes in medical treatment of lung diseases
• Radiation oncologist: Uses radiation therapy to treat cancer
• Medical oncologist: Treats cancer with medicines like chemotherapy

The stage of mesothelioma cancer may also impact the type of medical expert you see for treatment. Other medical and health professionals who may play a part in your care include nurses, respiratory therapists, and social workers, to name a few. The American Cancer Society also explains that due to the cancer’s rarity, it is important to try to seek the opinion of a medical professional experienced in the treatment of this cancer. This second opinion can provide you with a greater understanding of your cancer, as well as help you feel more secure about the treatment options you choose.

Questions for Your Doctor

The American Cancer Society also explains that as you come to terms with your cancer and the treatments, it is important to engage in honest conversation with your doctor to ensure you stay informed as to your progress and general health. The treatment of mesothelioma cancer represents an undeniably stressful period, and remaining informed is the best way to eliminate some of the fear and uncertainty that can build up. No matter how seemingly insignificant the question may seem, it is important to ask it and address all of your concerns. If you don’t want to bother your doctor with a question, other medical support professionals contributing to your treatment may be also able to help answers these questions.

Below are some of the questions the American Cancer Society explains you may want to ask your doctor regarding your type of cancer, your prognosis, and treatment options:

• Can you tell me the exact kind of mesothelioma cancer I have?
• Has the cancer spread past where it started?
• What is the stage of the cancer and how does that impact me?
• What other tests should be done before we can decide on a treatment?
• Do I need to see other doctors, and if yes, whom?
• Do you have experience treating this type of cancer?   
• Would you recommend I get a second opinion?
• What are my treatment choices?
• Which treatments do you recommend and why?
• How long can I expect my treatment to last?
• How should I prepare for treatment?
• What effects will this treatment have on my daily life?
• Where will this treatment take place?
• What procedures will this treatment involve?
• What is this treatment’s goal?
• What side effects or risks does this treatment have?
• What follow-up procedures might I need after treatment?
• What are the odds of this cancer returning after treatment?
• What is the next step if the treatment doesn't work or if the cancer returns?

These are just some of the questions you may wish to ask your doctor. It is also recommended you make a list of your own questions and concerns before beginning any course of treatment.

Reference:

American Cancer Society

Mayo Clinic