How is mesothelioma treated?
Treatment is guided by the type, location and extent of involvement of the disease as well as the patients overall health.
The approach to treatment includes several options; surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, used singly or in combination.
Surgery such involves removing the tumor or affected tissue. This can be limited by the size and location of areas affected. Radiation treatment in mesothelioma is done by placing radioactive sources in the affected tissue and leaving it for a period of time to continue to kill off abnormal cells. Chemotherapy in the form of pills or injected medication is used. However this therapy is not specifically targeted to the mesothelioma and can have significant side effects.
In cases where the disease is far advanced and a cure is not felt to be likely, these treatments can still be used for palliative therapy to improve quality of life and keep the patient comfortable.