• 
  • What is asbestos?
  • Where is asbestos found?
  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Asbestos Exposure
  • Asbestos Industry
  • History of the use of asbestos
  • Asbestos FAQ
• 
  • What is asbestosis?
  • What causes asbestosis?
  • How is it diagnosed?
  • How is it treated?
  • Asbestosis FAQ
• 
  • What is mesothelioma?
  • How does one get mesothelioma?
  • Pleural Mesothelioma
  • Peritoneal Mesothelioma
  • Pericardial Mesothelioma
  • Symptoms of Mesothelioma
  • Mesothelioma Research
  • Mesothelioma FAQ
• 
  • How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
  • What are the staging systems of mesothelioma?
  • Diagnosis FAQ
• 
  • What are the options for treatment?
  • Treatment by stage
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Surgical Procedures
  • Alternate Therapies
  • Imaging Scans
  • Types of Doctors
  • Clinical Trials
  • Cancer Centers
  • Treatment FAQ
• 
  • Asbestos Legislation
  • Your legal rights
  • Choosing an attorney
  • What to expect when filing a mesothelioma lawsuit
  • The legal process
  • What you will need to file the suit
  • Legal FAQ
• 

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Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

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Treatment by Stage

In order to make the best decision, the medical team will take into account the age, health and stage of the mesothelioma cancer cells.

In Stage 1 – where mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura. It may have spread into the lung, pericardium or diaphragm on the same side but not the lymph nodes. Treatment could include:

• Surgery - to remove affected sections of the pleura, lung part of the diaphragm and part of the lining around the heart.
• Surgery to remove the pleura and the tissue near it, done to relieve symptoms only - not to cure the disease.
• Radiation – to relieve symptoms when surgery is not an option due the patient’s weakened health.
• Use of a clinical trial – where new medications are being tested by patient volunteer to find better cures.

In Stage II or III – it’s understood that a cure is not possible and treatments are done to make the patient comfortable. Treatments could include:

• Tharacentesis or paracentesis – drains the fluid from around the heart or abdomen helps to reduce pain
• Radiation or chemotherapy to help reduce symptoms
• Chemotherapy or radioactive drugs - injected directly into the pleural space. This can give some cancer cells and will slow down the fluid build up.

In Stage IV – treatment is done to keep the patient as comfortable as possible.

• Chemotherapy or radiation – can be given but only if the patient fully understands the side effects. It might not be the best option as it is an end stage of cancer.
• Supportive care – patients with advanced staged mesothelioma require a strong supportive network, usually requiring more than one person is capable of giving.
• Pain medication – to make patient as comfortable as possible
• Clinical trials – new medications to try.

Facing a disease like mesothelioma is difficult for anyone, it’s important to talk over any treatment program with your family and physician.