Three-dimensional radiation therapy is a type of treatment for mesothelioma and other types of cancer. This advanced therapy uses a 3D image of the tumor to better target the radiation. It minimizes side effects caused by damage to healthy cells. What Is Three-Dimensional Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)? Three-dimensional radiation therapy (3D-CRT) is a type of external
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a targeted type of radiation treatment that uses X-rays to kill cancer cells. Unlike traditional radiotherapy, IMRT changes intensity to target the tumor more accurately and minimize damage to healthy tissue. IMRT is sometimes used with chemotherapy and surgery to treat mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer. What Is Intensity-Modulated Radiation
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses an implanted device to expose tumors to radiation. This makes the radiation more targeted, sparing more healthy tissue from damage. Brachytherapy can be used to treat mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. What Is Brachytherapy? Brachytherapy is a radiation therapy in which a device that gives off
Heated (hyperthermic) intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a type of treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. Instead of delivering chemotherapy drugs intravenously, HIPEC involves circulating the drugs throughout the abdominal cavity. HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for this cancer, greatly improving survival rates. What Is HIPEC? Typically, chemotherapy is
Mesothelioma can metastasize to the brain, but it is not a common site of metastasis. A brain tumor is complicated to treat and can cause serious problems. Treatment may include radiation and surgery, and at this stage of the disease, the goal of most treatments is palliative care. What Is Metastasis in Mesothelioma? Metastasis is
A pericardiectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the pericardium, the double layer of tissue surrounding the heart. It is used to treat pericardial mesothelioma, relieve symptoms, and extend life expectancy. The procedure is risky, with a high potential for complications. What Is Pericardial Mesothelioma? Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer of
A thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that gives surgeons a view into the chest cavity with a small camera on a tube called an endoscope. Doctors use the procedure to diagnose mesothelioma, monitor the progress of the disease, and as part of minimally invasive surgical treatments. About Thoracoscopy Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive type
A thoracotomy is a surgical incision between the ribs that gives a surgeon access to the organs in the chest cavity. For patients with mesothelioma, a thoracotomy may be used to perform one of several surgeries: extrapleural pneumonectomy, a pneumonectomy, a pleurectomy/decortication, or a pericardiectomy. About Thoracotomy A thoracotomy incision is a procedure surgeons use
A pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure sometimes used to treat pleural mesothelioma and that removes an entire lung from the chest cavity. Although this procedure can cause serious complications, a pneumonectomy may provide some patients with the best chance of survival. What Is a Pneumonectomy Surgery? A pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure that removes an
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is a surgery for pleural mesothelioma that removes an entire lung, pleural tissue, lymph nodes, and part of the diaphragm. Only patients in generally good health and whose cancer has not spread extensively are considered good candidates for this risky but potentially curative procedure. What Is Extrapleural Pneumonectomy? Extrapleural pneumonectomy, or EPP, is