British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy Week 14-20 June - Treatment for lung conditions: Asbestos related Mesothelioma
Published: 09:46AM BST 15 Jun 2010
Asbestos exposure can lead to many lung conditions, including lung cancer, diffuse pleural thickening, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma, which commonly affects the linings of the lungs is often difficult to treat because of its location, but there are a number of treatments which, although they won't cure the illness, can help ease symptoms and extend life expectancy.
Surgery may be an option for some mesothelioma patients, and can involve removing the tumour and often a portion or the whole of the lung. Due to the invasive nature of the surgery it will only usually be performed on someone in good health and where the tumour can be localised.
Another option is to drain fluid from around the lung. This procedure can be performed by keyhole surgery, and talc may be placed around the lung to seal the place between the pleural linings of the lungs. These procedures can help the lungs function better.
As mesothelioma can form a tumour around the lung that prevents it from expanding, a procedure has been developed in which the lung is 'skimmed' of the tumour to help the lungs expand. It can be performed by keyhole or more invasive surgery.
Anyone suffering with mesothelioma should discuss treatment options with their treating consultants.
The British Lung Foundation can provide support to anyone affected by lung disease via telephone or through their specialist nurses, counsellors and patient support groups.
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