Treatments for mesothelioma
If you have mesothelioma, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for mesothelioma, your healthcare team will consider:
- where the mesothelioma started
- the subtype of mesothelioma
- whether it can be removed by surgery
- your overall health
- your personal preferences
Treatments for pleural mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is very difficult to treat. The following are treatment options for the different stages of pleural mesothelioma, which are based on whether the cancer is considered operable (resectable) or not. The types of treatments given are also based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma
There is no established staging system for peritoneal mesothelioma. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Surgery for mesothelioma
Surgery may be used to treat mesothelioma in certain people. Surgery is generally used along with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery for mesothelioma is very specialized and is usually done by surgeons with experience in this type of cancer.
Chemotherapy for mesothelioma
Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for mesothelioma. Many people are not diagnosed until their mesothelioma is advanced and cannot be removed with surgery. In these cases, chemotherapy is used to treat the disease and relieve symptoms.
Radiation therapy for mesothelioma
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to treat mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy for mesothelioma
Some people with mesothelioma have immunotherapy. Immunotherapy helps to strengthen or restore the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
Follow-up after treatment for mesothelioma
Mesothelioma behaves differently in each person, and a standard follow-up schedule would not work for everyone. People with mesothelioma should talk to their doctor about a follow-up plan that suits their individual situation. Follow-up care is often shared among the cancer specialists (oncologists) and family doctor.