|
Mesothelioma
Treatment
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:
Most
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:
Because
stage IV mesothelioma cancer has spread to
distant organs, a cure is not possible. If
any aggressive therapy is 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.
| 
