List the current treatment options for mesothelioma.
The treatment for mesothelioma is dependent upon the extent of the disease, the age and medical history of the patient, and the location and type of mesothelioma.
• A surgical procedure called a pneumonectomy can be used for pleural mesothelioma, which involves the removal of the diseased lung. Depending upon the spread of the disease, this may also involve removing parts of the diaphragm, as well as the lung.
• Radiation is a commonly used method for treating mesothelioma and can be used along with surgery or alone if the patient is not well enough for surgery.
• Chemotherapy can be administered orally or as injected medication. However, these drugs can be highly toxic to healthy tissues and the side effects can make the patient extremely ill.
• In advanced stages of the disease, palliative therapies may be the treatment of choice. This may include draining excess fluids and providing comfort measures such as medications to ease the symptoms.