Mesothelioma Treatment By Stage

This section lists typical treatment strategies based on the stage (using the Butchart staging system) of a pleural mesothelioma.

Stage I Mesothelioma

Most patients with stage I mesothelioma have their cancer surgically removed by pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy. The value of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy (treatments given after surgery) for stage I mesothelioma is uncertain.

Stages II, III Mesothelioma

Treatment options include palliative and supportive care providing relief of symptoms, such as thoracentesis (to remove fluid accumulation in the chest cavity), operations to remove as much of the tumor as possible in some cases, and radiation therapy or chemotherapy aimed at easing symptoms. Cure is not possible in these stages. Enrollment in clinical trials evaluating the newest treatment possibilities in large medical centers should be considered.

Stage IV Mesothelioma

Because stage IV mesothelioma cancer has spread to distant organs, a cure is not possible. If any aggressive therapy is used, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the goals should be clear to the patient and family.

Enrollment in clinical trials evaluating the newest treatment possibilities in large medical centers should be considered. Supportive care may be the best choice, perhaps in the setting of a good hospice program. Pain management is an important aspect of patient care. It is important for patients to know that medications are available to effectively treat pain due to mesothelioma. Patients should not hesitate to request pain medications or discuss pain control problems with their cancer care team.