Palliative treatments refer to those procedures that relieve symptoms and help make the patient more comfortable. Here are some palliative therapies that may be used to treat mesothelioma.
- Pleurodesis
Pleurodesis is a procedure that is sometimes used to control pleural effusion, or the buildup of fluids between the lungs and the lung lining. Pleurodesis causes the space between the lungs and the lung lining to close, reducing the chance for fluid to accumulate. One method of pleurodesis uses thoracoscopy, whereby a small incision, or a few small incisions are made in the skin and a thoracoscope is passed through the incision to get a better look at the pleura. The sclerosing agent is then applied. - Pain Management
Pain management is another way to treat the discomfort associated with mesothelioma. For additional information on pain management, please see Pain Management.