DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to airborne asbestos fibers.  Because of the difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma, doctors may perform a series of tests to confirm the presence of the disease. These exams may include:

• imaging tests
• visualization tests
• pathological tests
• biopsies
• pulmonary function tests

Once diagnosed, the treatment options for mesothelioma victims will vary depending on several key indicators:  the location and size of the tumor, the extent to which the cancer has spread, the stage of cancer and the overall health of the patient. 

The primary treatment options are similar to those of other cancers.  The three traditional choices that focus on destroying the cancerous cells and preserving the healthy ones are:

• Surgery - physical removal of the tumor.
• Chemotherapy - drugs injected, or in pill form, to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation - high-dose x-ray beams to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.

The patient will work with his or her medical team to determine the best treatment or combination of treatments.

MORE ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment Options
Specialists
Treatment Centers
Clinical Trials
Facts & Figures
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Legal Rights