Treatment of mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is difficult to treat because the cancer has usually spread and can't be removed. Treatments can include the following.

Medicines

There are a number of chemotherapy medicines which may be used to treat mesothelioma. Only one medicine is currently licensed in the UK, this is called pemetrexed. You may be advised to take supplements, such as folic acid and vitamin B12, with pemetrexed. Other medicines include methotrexate, vinorelbine, mitomycin and cisplatin. These, or other medicines, may be suggested to you as part of a clinical trial. Ask your doctor for advice.
Painkillers may be given to help reduce pain.
Steroid medicines, such as prednisolone, may be given to help reduce inflammation and can improve appetite.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be used to try cure the mesothelioma or to reduce symptoms.

Surgery

You may have surgery if the cancer is only in one area of the mesothelium. This type of treatment may help pleural (lung) mesothelioma but isn't usually helpful for peritoneal (abdomen) mesothelioma. Surgery may involve taking the whole pleura (mesothelium) or part of the tissues near the pleura. Sometimes this may include the diaphragm and one of the lungs.

Other treatments

Chemical irritants may be used which will cause the layers of the mesothelium to become inflamed; this makes them stick together so fluid doesn't build up. The chemicals will be added using a tube which will be put through the skin.
Excess fluid can be drained using a needle to help you breathe more easily. You can have this done regularly as the fluid will return. For this you will need a local anaesthetic.
Physiotherapy and relaxation techniques may also be helpful.