Medical Resources to Combat Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, location of the tumor and the patient's age and overall health. Standard treatment methods include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. In some cases, several methods are combined.

Surgery: A physician will extract part of the lining of the abdomen or chest and some surrounding tissue. In pleural mesothelioma cases, a lung and part of the diaphragm may be removed.

Radiation therapy: Also known as radiotherapy, this method uses high-energy rays to reduce the size of tumors and destroy cancer cells. Radiation is available in two forms--external and internal radiation. External radiation uses a large machine, while internal radiation involves the placement of materials that produce radiation near the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: This method uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancerous cells. Most chemotherapy drugs are given through a vein.

To relieve symptoms, the doctor may also use a tube to remove fluid build-up in the abdomen or chest. Drugs can also be administered to prevent fluid from accumulating.

The National Cancer Institute holds clinical trials to discover new treatments and improve existing ones. Mesothelioma patients interested in clinical trials should speak with their doctor and call 1-800-4-CANCER. Patients can also search the clinical trial page at http://www.cancer.gov/clinical_trials. Those considering clinical trials want to read the NCI booklet Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available at http://www.cancer.gov/publications.

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