Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure. The disease can be difficult to treat, due to the fact that the cancerous cells grow in the lining that so closely protects the internal organs. Treatment methods used for mesothelioma follow standard, conventional treatment for other forms of cancer and include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Step 1
Know what stage of mesothelioma you have, and understand exactly what that means. Mesothelioma is staged from 1 to 4, depending on the location of the tumor and if the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs. The treatment for malignant mesothelioma depends on the extent of the cancer. Make sure your specialist can explain exactly where the cancer grows within your body.
Step 2
Have surgery to remove the cancerous cells and the part of the organ's lining that is affected. The term used for surgery to remove cancer is a resection, or the cancer is resectable. The American Cancer Society explains that stages 1, 2 and 3 mesothelioma may be resectable, depending on the placement and size of the tumors. Stage 4 is usually not operable.
Step 3
Submit to radiation treatments to treat unresectable mesothelioma. Radiation may be able to decrease the size of tumors, and can make a person with this form of cancer more comfortable. Understand that according to the American Cancer Society, mesothelioma is difficult to treat and radiation may not slow the progression of the disease on a long-term basis.
Step 4
Treat mesothelioma with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is usually administered intravenously rather than orally for mesothelioma, according to the National Cancer Institute. Institute doctors are studying the potential effects of directly injecting chemotherapy drugs into the chest to treat mesothelioma, but this treatment method is not yet in use.
Step 5
Drain accumulated fluids out of the body as part of the treatment regimen for this rare form of cancer. Doctors insert a tube or needle into the chest or abdomen to relieve their patients of ascites, or fluid retention. Treatment of this kind may help relieve pain.
Things You'll Need
- Surgeon
- Radiation treatment
- Chemotherapy
