MESOTHELIOMA
Treatment
by Stage
This section lists typical treatment strategies based on
the stage (using the Butchart staging system) of a pleural
mesothelioma.
Stage I
Mesothelioma:
Some patients with stage I mesothelioma have their cancer
surgically removed by pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural
pneumonectomy. The value of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation
therapy (treatments given after surgery) for stage I mesothelioma
is uncertain.
 Stages II,
III Mesothelioma:
Treatment options include palliative and supportive care
providing relief of symptoms, such as thoracentesis (to
remove fluid accumulation in the chest cavity), operations
to remove as much of the tumor as possible in some cases,
and radiation therapy or chemotherapy aimed at easing symptoms.
Cure is not possible in these stages. Enrollment in clinical
trials evaluating the newest treatment possibilities in
large medical centers should be considered.
Stage IV
Mesothelioma:
Stage IV mesothelioma cancer has spread to distant organs.
In aggressive therapy used, such as chemotherapy and radiation
therapy, the goals should be clear to the patient and family.
Enrollment in clinical trials evaluating the newest treatment
possibilities in large medical centers should be considered.
Supportive care may be the best choice, perhaps in the setting
of a good hospice program. Pain management is an important
aspect of patient care. It is important for patients to
know that medications are available to effectively treat
pain due to mesothelioma. Patients should not hesitate to
request pain medications or discuss pain control problems
with their cancer care team.
If you have any questions regarding treatment options or
your legal rights, please contact us
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