When you’re diagnosed with a rare cancer, you may start bracing for the worst.
And that’s understandable. Hearing you have mesothelioma can leave you wondering about your health, treatment options — and your future. It can be a lot to process.
Cleveland Clinic can help. Our expert providers use the latest treatments to help you move forward with confidence. We pinpoint the kind of mesothelioma you have to build a personalized treatment plan that keeps you at the center of your care. And we’ll be here with compassionate guidance and support at every stage of treatment.
Cleveland Clinic is among a select number of cancer programs in the country that offers comprehensive mesothelioma treatment. We use a combination of several different therapies to reduce the likelihood of cancer returning. Some of our patients stay in remission years after completing treatment, exceeding average survival rates.
We offer the compassionate treatment and support you need. From wellness programs and pain management to help from social workers and smoking cessation classes, we’ll guide you through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and follow-up. Meet our team.
We’re one of the first U.S. cancer programs to use hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC0, which uses heated chemo drugs for mesothelioma that affect the abdominal lining. Cleveland Clinic was also one of the world’s first places to use stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to safely deliver large, targeted radiation doses to tumors.
Sometimes, you might not feel up to a follow-up appointment in person. Our virtual visits let you meet with your providers one-on-one from home. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
When you hear “mesothelioma,” you might think about lung cancer that happens when you’ve been exposed to elements like asbestos. This is called pleural mesothelioma, and it’s the most common type. But mesothelioma can start in the tissues in or around other parts of your body, too, like:
We classify mesothelioma tumors depending on the type of tissue cells affected — epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells or both (biphasic). Your treatment will depend on what type of mesothelioma you have.
Because mesothelioma can affect many different areas with different symptoms, it can be tricky to diagnose. Some of these symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, low blood pressure and abdominal pain) can be similar to other conditions.
That’s why it’s important to find healthcare providers who know how to identify this rare cancer, figure out what type you have and treat it effectively. Our team has decades of mesothelioma experience, so you can count on us for a correct diagnosis and the latest treatment options.
The first thing we’ll want you to do is share your story. Hearing what you’re experiencing helps us better understand what’s going on. We’ll also ask some questions, like:
Your provider will do a physical exam to look for any signs of mesothelioma. And they’ll order tests to help them confirm the diagnosis and learn what type you may have.
Because there are different types of mesothelioma, we’ll do tests to help us learn more about what’s going on. You may have:
There are many things to consider and digest when you get a cancer diagnosis. Finding a team of healthcare providers you trust is the first step. That’s why we encourage second opinions.
We know cancer doesn’t wait, so we always try to meet with you as soon as possible. Our highly skilled, experienced cancer specialists can help you better understand your diagnosis and treatment options — so you can feel more confident about what’s next.
Getting a second opinion can help you feel more in control of your care. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have a capable team on your side.
Mesothelioma can affect different areas of your body — so, no two diagnoses are the same. That’s why your care team will include providers from different specialties based on your diagnosis, needs and recovery goals. During treatment, you may see:
Your care team works together to support you every step of the way. They check in regularly throughout treatment, recovery and follow-up to make sure your plan still fits your needs. If something isn’t working, they’ll adjust it to help you get the best possible results.
We offer treatment for Mesothelioma at the following locations in Northeast Ohio.
Your customized treatment plan depends on the type of mesothelioma you have and where it is in your body. Your providers may use a combination of treatments. This is called multimodal treatment and can include:
Your diagnosis will determine which treatments you’ll have — and for how long. Your providers will go over all the options with you.
After treatment, you’ll see your providers regularly for follow-up visits and testing. Your care team will watch your overall health and make sure that cancer doesn’t come back (recur). It’s important to go to these appointments and keep in touch with your care team, especially if you start having new symptoms. Our experts will also guide you on any modifications you can make at work or at home as preventive measures.
Finding out you have cancer can make your head spin with so many things to consider. And when it’s a rare cancer — like mesothelioma —it’s crucial to find healthcare providers who aren’t only familiar with this condition but also have years of experience diagnosing and treating it. Our industry-leading rare cancer specialists combine their expertise with the latest tests and treatments to make sure you get the care you need.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s mesothelioma experts is easy. We’ll help you get the care you need.
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