Chemotherapy is use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

If diagnosis is mesothelioma, doctor will want to learn stage (or extent) of disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of body. Knowing stage of disease helps doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if cancer is found only on membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond original membrane surface to other parts of body, such as lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.