There are two main types of surgery: palliative surgery, which relieves pain and alleviates symptoms, such as fluid build up in the lungs and shortness of breath; and curative surgery, which is performed to slow or stop the growth of the disease and to extend a patient’s life. For example, the most radical and aggressive type of curative surgery for mesothelioma is called extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Mayroong dalawang pangunahing uri ng pagtitistis: pampatighaw surgery, na relieves sakit at alleviates sintomas, tulad ng mga likido build-up sa mga baga at igsi ng hininga; at nakakalunas surgery, na kung saan ay ginanap upang pabagalin o ihinto ang paglago ng mga sakit at para i-extend sa isang pasyente ang buhay. Halimbawa, ang pinaka-radikal at agresibo uri ng nakakalunas surgery para sa mesothelioma ay tinatawag na extrapleural pneumonectomy.