Between the two layers is the pleural cavity (also called
the pleural space), which normally contains a small amount of fluid. This fluid
allows the two layers of pleura to slide over each other so the lungs move
smoothly against the chest wall when you breathe. When mesothelioma develops in
the pleura, the delicate layers of the pleura thicken and may press on the
lung, preventing it from expanding when breathing in (inhalation). When excess
fluid collects between the two layers, this is known as a pleural effusion.
Biologic therapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s immune system to fight
cancer. Substances made by the body or made in a laboratory are used to boost,
direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against cancer. This type of
cancer treatment is also called biotherapy or immunotherapy.
Curative Treatment With curative treatment, doctors extend your survival time
by removing as much of the mesothelioma as possible. They often combine
multiple curative treatments to achieve amazing results. Palliative Treatment
With palliative treatment, doctors treat the symptoms of mesothelioma rather
than the cancer itself. Its purpose is to improve your quality of life by
easing symptoms like chest or abdominal pain.
In the most advanced stage, symptoms are severe and can affect many areas of
the body. They include pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and systemic
problems. Treatment for Stage 4 mesothelioma is limited to palliative care to
reduce pain.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy. Pleurectomy and decortication, with or without
radiation therapy, as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve
quality of life. Radiation therapy as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms
and improve quality of life. A clinical trial of anticancer drugs placed
directly into the chest after surgery to remove the tumor. A clinical trial of
combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. A clinical trial
of a new treatment.
Mesothelioma occurs most often in the pleura, or the lining of the lungs. However,
the cancer can also attack the linings of the heart and abdomen. The main cause
is exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms Find out about the symptoms of mesothelioma and when to see your
doctor. TypesThe type of mesothelioma means the type of cell the cancer
started in. Knowing this helps your doctor to decide which treatment you need.
StagesRead about the stages of mesothelioma and your treatment options. Risks
and causesFind out what causes mesothelioma and who is more likely to
get it. SurvivalFind out about survival for mesothelioma. Getting
diagnosedFind out what to expect when you see a GP, when you might see a
specialist, and which tests you might have. TreatmentThe treatment you
might have depends on the stage and type of your mesothelioma. See which
treatments are used and how you have them. Living with mesotheliomaA lot
of practical and emotional support is available to you. Get advice on living
with mesothelioma and find further resources and support. Research and clinical
trialsRead about the latest research into mesothelioma and find out about
taking part in clinical trials. Last reviewed: 08 Dec 2015
Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that
are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer,
the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General
information about clinical trials is also available.
The most common type of the cancer is malignant pleural mesothelioma, which
affects the pleura — the mesothelial membrane lining the lungs and chest
wall.Mesothelioma that begins in the pleura typically results from asbestos
fibers being inhaled. Tumors that develop in the pleura may spread to the
nearby diaphragm, heart, and blood vessels of the chest. Early symptoms of malignant
pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, pleural effusion (pleural
fluid build-up), chest pain, cough, and a lack of energy.Although the cancer
can spread (“metastasize”) from the pleura into the lung, the origin site is
the actual pleural tissue surrounding the lung – not the lung itself. (There
are many differences between mesothelioma and lung cancer.)
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