What are the treatments for a patient with malignant mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat. Because it does not grow as a single tumor, it is almost impossible to completely remove. This is true even with a combination of radiation and surgery.
Surgery can be performed to relieve some of the hyperesthesia caused by the tumor, or in attempt to cure the cancer. Curative surgery can only be performed if the tumor is localized and full removal is possible.
If surgery is not appropriate, a procedure called a thoracentesis may be performed to remove excess fluid build up from the thoracic cavity, or abdominal cavity. The procedure is performed by placing a needle into the affected cavity. Occasionally a substance that causes scarring will be injected into the cavity to prevent the fluid build up from returning. While this can make the patient more comfortable, it will not cure the cancer.
Chemotherapy is another treatment that is used to bring palliative relief to patients with mesothelioma. Chemotherapy will not cure mesothelioma.