Mesothelioma Surgery

Many mesothelioma surgeries are used palliatively as well as life-extending. The best type of surgery for a patient varies based on what kind of mesothelioma a patient has.

Mesothelioma has no cure; however, some treatments can help. Potentially curative surgery removes all the cancer that is visible to attempt to cure the cancer. This often helps extend life expectancy, but mesothelioma cells cannot be removed completely, and the cells left behind can multiply and reform. Because of this, doctors are aware that curative surgeries can be helpful but will not completely get rid of the cancer.

Palliative Surgery

Palliative surgery is used when a tumor has spread so far that potentially curative surgery would not be possible. Palliative surgery improves the quality of life and ensures they are as comfortable as they can be.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is an invasive procedure, but it offers the best chance of survival. A surgeon removes the cancerous lung as well as the pleural lining and the diaphragm on the side of the tumor. This type of treatment is only offered to patients that have strong overall health. The test must be done to ensure that extrapleural pneumonectomy is suitable for the patient and the procedure will not end in complications.

Pleurectomy/ Decortication (P/D)

A Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) removes all the pleural lining of the chest on the cancerous side and the pleura coating, mediastinum, and the diaphragm. This operation is used in the early stages of curative Lee and in later stages palliatively.

Debulking

Debulking, also known as partial pleurectomy, removes as much of the visible mesothelioma cancer. P/D is not as invasive as some other treatments but still draws a small amount of tissue.

Intraoperative Chemotherapy

Intraoperative or intraperitoneal chemotherapy Is applied after the surgeries have been completed for a short time before being removed before the incision is closed. If the chemotherapy is heated, it becomes heated intraoperative chemotherapy or HIPEC.

Omentectomy

Omentectomy removes the layer of fatty tissue covering organs inside the abdomen, so the cancer has nowhere to spread.

medical tool on the table
 

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