Treatment for mesothelioma through photodynamic therapy

Certain types of lung cancers can develop as a result of exposure to types of toxic substances, such as asbestos. In many cases, individuals come into contact with asbestos as a result of their jobs, but they may not be aware of the effects of this contact until years or even decades in the future. Asbestos exposure can result in different types of severe medical problems, including mesothelioma. This type of lung cancer and other related problems are often difficult to treat.

If you received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, you may feel devastated about what this means for your future. You understand the importance of seeking medical treatment, including chemotherapy, other types of medication, surgery and other options. In some cases, the use of photodynamic therapy has proven to be an effective treatment that may lead to positive results in some North Carolina mesothelioma patients.

How does it work?

One of the most difficult aspects of a mesothelioma diagnosis are the side effects a patient may experience. Traditional cancer-fighting strategies can often leave individuals feeling weak, sick and unable to care for themselves. One of the benefits of photodynamic therapy is that it is less invasive, and patients often experience fewer difficult side effects with this option. It combines light energy with a light-sensitive drug in an effort to kill cancer cells. At the discovery of this technology, it was originally a treatment option for skin cancer.

PDT is now a way to treat other types of cancer in different parts of the body, including more aggressive cancers. This includes pleural mesothelioma. Photodynamic therapy is only able to work in places where light can reach, so, to treat lung cancers and other types of internal cancers, doctors must combine it with surgery. Side effects are possible as a result of the light-sensitive drugs PDT requires, and they may include swelling, blistered skin and sensitivity in the eyes.

Seeking the right type of treatment for you

A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating, but you have the right to fight for the best possible treatment available. This may include PDT and other treatment options. You may be suffering as a result of asbestos exposure from your job requirements, which means there may be legal options available to you. You could have a rightful claim to compensation that would allow you to secure what you need to explore different treatment plans and fight your cancer.