Name the two categories of pleural mesothelioma and describe common treatments for both.
Pleural mesothelioma is not always cancer. It can be localized and benign or generalized and malignant.
When mesothelioma is localized and benign, it can be surgically removed and not generally life threatening.
Generalized and malignant mesothelioma, however, is an aggressive and dangerous cancer. While treatment options are available, life expectancy for patients is limited. Because of the aggressive nature of this form of cancer, treatment usually begins immediately upon diagnosis. Treatment may include a combination of any or all of the following: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Even in cases where the malignancy cannot be completely removed, surgery is sometimes performed to reduce the size of tumors as a means of improving the patient’s quality of life. Additional treatment may involve draining fluid that builds up in the patient’s lungs.