Mesothelioma

Treatment

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. At Mayo Clinic experimental treatments are also available for patients who meet the requirements.

Surgery

Surgery is used to remove the cancer. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, the surgery may involve the removal of part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some surrounding tissue. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed, and in some cases the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing (diaphragm), is also removed.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, uses high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy affects cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine or from radioactive materials placed directly in the area of the cancer (brachytherapy).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to fight the cancer. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are intravenous (given by injection into a vein). Some doctors are also employing intracavitary chemotherapy — putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen.

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is a supportive treatment used to relieve symptoms and control pain. It involves placing a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest. The procedure for removing excess fluid in the abdomen is called paracentesis.

Additional Support Services

Additional supportive services available to mesothelioma patients include:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Pain management
• Psychosocial care
• Nutritional assessment
• On-site patient education