Mesothelioma

Expert Mesothelioma Care, Close to Home

At Texas Oncology, our mesothelioma program lies at the heart of our commitment to delivering advanced cancer care. Our doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating this rare cancer that develops in the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. They bring their skills and expertise to each case while tailoring each visit to your needs and treatment goals.  

What sets Texas Oncology apart is our collaborative, patient-centered approach. With more than 550 physicians across the state, our patients receive world-class care close to home.

When you seek care with us, you can expect a personalized care plan, a dedicated team alongside you, and the latest advancements in mesothelioma cancer treatment, all designed to support you.  

Mesothelioma Diagnosis at Texas Oncology

Texas Oncology specialists are equipped to diagnose mesothelioma and may use the following diagnostic tests:

Computed tomography (CT) scan  

A CT scan provides detailed images of body tissues and organs to determine the extent and spread of mesothelioma.  

Thoracotomy  

A thoracotomy is a major surgery that involves opening the chest in order to remove a sample of tissue.  

VATS biopsy  

A VATS biopsy is a video-assisted biopsy approach of the pleural area.

Bronchoscopy

During a bronchoscopy, a surgeon or pulmonologist inserts a bronchoscope (thin, lighted tube) through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (air passages that lead to the lung). Through this tube, the surgeon can examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi, and lung and collect cells or small tissue samples. Lymph node assessments of the central chest may be obtained by a procedure called EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) to get a tissue diagnosis.

Thoracentesis

During a thoracentesis, a needle is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space in order to remove a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs in order to check for the presence of cancer cells. 

Treatments for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatment is not one size fits all. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors like age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment for mesothelioma may involve the following:  

Surgery

Surgery for mesothelioma may involve removing tumors and potentially organs or diseased tissues affected by the cancer.  

Chemotherapy  

Chemotherapy is medication administered through an IV to shrink cancerous mesothelial cells and lower the risk of spreading throughout the entire body.

Immunotherapy  

Immunotherapy utilizes drugs, vaccines, and other therapies to activate the body’s natural defenders to fight mesothelioma. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ipilimumab (Yervoy), nivolumab (Opdivo), and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for mesothelioma.  

Radiation therapy  

This therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, helping reduce or eliminate the tumor. Mesotheliomas tend to be hard to treat with radiation therapy because they do not grow as a single tumor, making it difficult to aim the radiation without avoiding normal tissues. Newer radiation techniques may be available that make this treatment an option for some patients.  

Clinical trials

Mesothelioma treatment is continually evolving. At Texas Oncology, we are actively involved in clinical research to bring novel therapies to our patients.