Localized mesotheliomas are either solitary tumors or tumors that have spread within the cavity involved (intracavitary) but are confined to the serosal surfaces where they started.
Standard Treatment Occasional patients with this stage of disease can be cured by aggressive surgery. A solitary tumor can be completely removed along with adjacent structures to ensure wide margins of cancer-free tissue .
Standard surgery for intracavitary mesothelioma will also involve the removal of portions of the lung and diaphragm in selected patients. Some surgeons favor more extensive operations to include whatever tissue is necessary to remove all visible tumor as long as this doesn't interfere with the functioning of the remaining organs.
To relieve the symptoms of disease, collections of fluid in the cavity (effusions) are drained. A chemical irritant can then be introduced into the chest to make the layers of the membranes adhere to one another. This may prevent further fluid accumulations.
Radiotherapy is also sometimes given to the lung involved to eliminate blood flow in the area and improve breathing.
Five-Year Survival Unusual. Average survival for localized chest disease is about 16 months.
