What is the most common program of treatment for malignant mesothelioma?
Malignant Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer with a very poor prognosis. It is a form of cancer that occurs on the mesothelium which is the layer of cells which give rise to the pleura, or lining of the lungs. It is most commonly found in people with prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. Treatment options break down to four. 1. Palliative Care – Since the cure of mesothelioma is so rare despite the treatment used, palliation of symptoms has been the primary goal of most treatment regimens. This tends to focus on two main symptoms, shortness of breath and chest wall pain. 2. Surgical – Surgical options in the treatment of mesothelioma include only supportive care without surgery, decortication of the parietal pleura, or extrapleural pneumonectomy. Radical surgery has met with little success in the treatment of diffuse mesothelioma. By contrast, radical resection of localized malignant mesotheliomas has been employed as the primary modality of treatment 3. Radiation Therapy – Because
