Mesothelioma (malignant)

Alternative Names

Malignant mesothelioma

Treatment

When found early, surgery may cure mesothelioma. Having chemotherapy and radiation before the surgery may help increase your chance for a cure.

When the disease is too advanced for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation may be used to reduce symptoms, but a cure is usually not possible.

Combining certain chemotherapy drugs may help decrease symptoms and improve survival.

Consider participating in a clinical trial (test of new treatments), which may give you additional treatment options.

Supportive treatment (such as pain relief and oxygen) may also help to relieve symptoms.

Support Groups

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

See:

• Cancer - support group
• Lung disease - support group

Outlook (Prognosis)

The average survival time varies from 4 to 18 months. However, your outlook depends on the stage of the tumor and whether surgery is an option.

Possible Complications

Rapid spread of the tumor to other organs is a complication.

It can be hard to distinguish between this type of tumor and other conditions and tumors of the pleura, even when experienced pathologists are viewing biopsy samples.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of malignant mesothelioma.

References

Mason RJ, Murray J, VC Broaddus, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1994-2002.

Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2001:339-341; 514-515.