Palliative care is the assistance to alleviate the symptoms, but is not intended as any means of healing. Generally remain in force after a case has reached a terminal point.

Palliative surgery refers to surgery performed to alleviate some discomfort or pain in an advanced state of cancer. Mesothelioma has spread at this time to an irreversible state and patient comfort during this difficult time is of paramount importance. At this point, virtually all possibility of healing the issue is considered and a pleurectomy (removal of the lungs) can be considered a viable option.

An aid in your breathing can be achieved in some cases by removing fluid from the lungs. This procedure, known as thoracentesis is performed by inserting a needle into the saturated zone and remove excess fluid that has accumulated in the lungs. This may relieve pain and restore a greater capacity for the patient breathing.