Lung Cancer

Pleural Mesothelioma

Advanced Care for Pleural Mesothelioma

At NewYork-Presbyterian, we have experts who offer the latest and most comprehensive treatments for pleural tumors. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural mesothelioma, a type of cancer of the membranes that surround the lungs which is typically caused by asbestos exposure. We treat about 100 people each year with newly diagnosed mesothelioma. They come to us from across the country for our renowned expertise.

Coordinated Care

Your pleural tumor treatment may include a variety of approaches. We bring together our experts in endoscopy, radiology, thoracic surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and other fields to customize the treatment plan best suited to meet your needs. Our care also includes supportive measures to enhance your comfort, such as procedures to ease your breathing and treatments to lessen pain and other symptoms. We offer new treatments based on research, including the latest anticancer drugs and targeted therapies.

Renowned Mesothelioma Expertise

NewYork-Presbyterian has been designated as a Center of Excellence in the management of mesothelioma by the National Cancer Institute.

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

If surgery is part of your treatment — and it often is for people with pleural tumors — our skilled thoracic surgeons use minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever appropriate, resulting in smaller incisions, less discomfort after surgery, and a faster recovery for you. Our surgeons are highly experienced in the use of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotic surgery for removing tumors in the chest.

The Latest Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Your doctors will let you know if your pleural tumor requires treatment with anticancer drugs. You may receive chemotherapy before surgery to shrink your tumor, or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. You may also be able to receive immunotherapy; we may make a vaccine from your own pleural tumor, designed to spur your immune system to attack the cancer and make it more vulnerable to the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy.

Precise Radiation Therapy

People who need radiation to treat a pleural tumor benefit from our advanced radiation oncology techniques. We use 3D imaging to shape and target high doses of radiation directly to your tumor, killing cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissue and organs such as your heart. You can receive radiation therapy in our state-of-the-art radiation oncology units.

Access to Clinical Trials

Clinical trials have led to every cancer treatment available today. Our researchers are directing clinical trials evaluating novel treatment approaches. Your treatment team will let you know if you can receive an innovative investigational treatment by participating in a clinical trial.