Treatment for mesothelioma begins with a thorough diagnosis. After the location of the cancer and the stage of the disease are determined, then, depending on your age and health standard treatment options can be: surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Surgery is the common treatment option for mesothelioma. Part of the lining of the chest or abdomen may be removed. For pleural mesothelioma, a lung may be removed or the muscle below the lungs that help with breathing (the diaphragm) may be removed.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This type of therapy only affects the cancer cells in the treated area.

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The drugs used to treat mesothelioma are sometimes given by injection in a vein.

Along with surgery and radiation using a needle or thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen doctors are able to relieve symptoms and control pain. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent fluid from accumulating and reducing symptoms.