Mesothelioma is very difficult to treat. The following options to treat various stages of pleural mesothelioma, which are based on the operability (resectability) cancer. The types of treatments are also based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
It is possible that surgery is not an option for people with pleural mesothelioma sarcomatoid types. These people often have a poor prognosis since this type of mesothelioma is resistant to treatment.
Pleural mesothelioma or localized stage I
Can be offered to people with pleural mesothelioma localized (stage I) which are considered operable (unresectable):
*surgery:
- pleurectomy / decortication (P / D);
- extrapleural pneumonectomy (PEP),
*chemotherapy after surgery;
*radiotherapy after extrapleural pneumonectomy.
One could suggest other treatments for people with localized pleural mesothelioma (stage I) which are considered inoperable (unresectable) and those who choose not to undergo radical surgery. The proposed treatments to control the disease as long as possible, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life may include:
*Palliative surgery
- pleurectomy / decortication
- thoracentesis, pleurodesis, pleuroperitoneal bypass
*chemotherapy
*radiation therapy
advanced pleural mesothelioma or stage II, III or IV
Can be offered to people with advanced pleural mesothelioma (stage II, and some stage III) which are considered operable (unresectable)
*surgery:
- pleurectomy / decortication (P / D)
- extrapleural pneumonectomy (PEP)
*chemotherapy before or after surgery
*radiotherapy after extrapleural pneumonectomy
Can be offered to people with advanced pleural mesothelioma (Stage II or III) which are considered inoperable (unresectable)
*Palliative surgery
- pleurectomy / decortication
- thoracentesis, pleurodesis, pleuroperitoneal bypass
*chemotherapy
*radiation therapy
*Supportive Care
It does not make extensive surgery to treat pleural mesothelioma stage IV because of the extent of the disease at that stage. Chemotherapy is often supportive treatment. One can also use radiation therapy and other support measures, such as thoracentesis or pleurodesis, to control the symptoms of advanced mesothelioma control the disease as long as possible and improve the quality of life of the person reached.
recurrent pleural mesothelioma
If pleural mesothelioma returns (relapse) after treatment, treatment options depend on the following factors:
*location cancer
*previously administered treatments
*overall health status of the person
For mesothelioma recurrence, may be used in treatment options similar to those of unresectable pleural mesothelioma. It is possible to administer chemotherapy to try to reduce the size of the tumor or slow its progression and relieve symptoms. Radiation therapy and other support measures can relieve symptoms.
Clinical tests
We can offer people with mesothelioma the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. For more information, see the "Clinical Trials" section.
