Mesothelioma Treatment

Treatment options for mesothelioma are similar to those for other cancers. But because mesothelioma is usually detected in the late stages, treatment rarely stops progression. Regression is also rare.

The progression of mesothelioma is broken into stages; treatment options based on the stage. The Brigham staging system is commonly used to classify mesothelioma stages:

• Stage 1 occurs when the tumor lies completely within the capsule of the pleura, without swollen lymph nodes.
• Stage 2 has the characteristics of Stage 1, but in Stage 2 the boundaries of the tumor allow for removal of the tumor without cutting into other organs.
• Stage 3 includes extension into the chest wall or heart, through the diaphragm or peritoneum, or outside the pleura to involve the lymph nodes.
• Stage 4 occurs when the cancer has metastasized into other organs.

Malignant mesothelioma treatment options include:

• chemotherapy
• surgery
• radiation
• multimodality treatment

Unfortunately, no treatments are particularly effective against mesothelioma.

Link here for complete information on mesothelioma treatment options including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, Cisplatin, Alimta and trimodal therapy.

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