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Treatment of Asbestos Disease

For patients newly diagnosed with asbestos mesothelioma or a similar asbestos disease, navigating through all the new information and decisions can be a challenging task. That said, understanding the various asbestos disease and mesothelioma treatment options available is crucial to helping yourself or your loved one get the best and most effective help during this time.

Since no treatment is available to reduce the health effects of asbestos on the lungs, treatment for asbestosis can include reducing further irritation to the lungs (for example, through smoking cessation) and keeping the immune system strong via flu shots, nutrition, and other efforts, Doctors may recommend drug treatment to help with complications, such as pulmonary hypertension and blood clot prevention.

Treatment for mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers can include traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but can also include newer therapies and complementary alternative therapies. Because a cure does not yet exist for mesothelioma, treatment of mesothelioma is often palliative (discussed below) rather than curative.

While a number of mesothelioma treatment options are available, a patient's specific treatment regiment will depend on a number of factors including:

• Age
• Lifestyle factors
• Location and specific type of cancer
• Mesothelioma cancer stages
• Preferences and wishes
• Tolerance/response to certain treatments

Please visit the following pages to learn more about treatment and support of asbestos disease:

• Asbestos Disease Treatment
• Patient & Family Support
• Questions for Your Doctor
• Helpful Resources