How is mesothelioma treated?
The location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age will determine what type of treatment the patient will receive. Standard
treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments are sometimes combined. Surgery is a common treatment for
mesothelioma. The physician may remove part or all of the affected tissue. Radiation involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and
shrink tumors. Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. To relieve symptoms and control pain, the
physician may use a needle or thin tube to drain fluid that has accumulated in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is
called a thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called a paracentesis. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.