Mesothelioma Cancer Treatments

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that begins in the mesothelium. The mesothelium are protective membranes in the lung, and in other parts of the body as well. In over 90 percent of cases, mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and inhaling asbestos fibers. It may take many decades for mesothelioma to develop after the initial exposure to asbestos. Treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Often, mesothelioma can't be cured, and the treatments are designed to manage symptoms and extend longevity.

Surgery

• Surgery may be performed in an attempt to cure mesothelioma, or in an attempt to relieve symptoms and enhance the quality of life. As of 2009, new tests are being developed to detect mesothelioma earlier, so the Mesothelioma and Awareness Center suggests that more surgeries may eventually be performed for curative purposes. As of 2009, though, the majority of surgeries are performed for palliative care (symptom management). Surgery takes three forms: pleurodesis, thoracentesis and pleurectomy.

  Pluerodesis is a procedure that involves preventing fluid from building up in lungs by injecting talc into them. Thoracentesis involves using a thin needle to drain fluid from the lungs. Pleurectomy involves removing the lining of the lungs, in order to relieve fluid buildup.

Radiation

• Radiation is usually prescribed as a form of palliative care, to manage symptoms. Radiation is often recommended for patients who are unable to undergo or withstand surgery. It is typically administered five days a week for approximately five weeks. Radiation is usually prescribed in the form of external beam radiation--the use of high-energy, x-ray-like beams aimed at the lungs to kill the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

• For most mesothelioma patients, chemotherapy is administered directly into the chest cavity (intrapleurally) or the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneally). This has proven more effective than intravenous chemotherapy (administered systemically through an IV in the veins). The two chemotherapy agents used most frequently in the treatment of mesothelioma include Alimta and cisplatin. Like radiation and surgery, chemotherapy is usually administered to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells to extend quality and length of life, as opposed to being administered to cure mesothelioma.