Surgery for Pleural Mesothelioma
There are a range of surgical options for pleural (chest cavity) mesothelioma but an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) has been found to eradicate the maximum amount of cancerous cells.
As part of a multi-modality approach (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) this aggressive procedure involves removing all the the lung and coverings of the diaphragm and heart to try and ensure any tumour/s and cancerous cells are removed.
If EPP surgery is unsuitable a pleurectomy/decortication procedure (the lung remains while the lung lining and tumor are removed) followed by chemotherapy may offer the best prospects. Where the mesothelioma is at an advanced stage surgery is usually not an option so chemotherapy becomes the primary treatment path.
Pleurodesis
Shortness of breath (a common first symptom) is usually caused by fluid between the chest wall and lung (pleural effusion). Pleurodesis involves filling the gap with antibiotic or sterile talc irritates the linings and makes them fuse and so prevent further fluid build up.
Pneumeonectomy
A pneumeonectomy is surgery to remove the lung only - mesothelioma patients usually have extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)
This surgical procedure involves removing the affected lung, diaphragm and heart coverings. The lung is collapsed, the main blood vessels tied off, the bronchial tube is clamped and cut and the lung removed. The pleura is removed from the chest wall. The cancerous sections of the diaphragm and pericardium are also removed and replaced with Gore-Tex patches. Generally a few days are spent in ICU with a further week or so in hospital.
Pleurectomy
A pleurectomy involves removing the tumor while leave the lung in place. The lung lining (visceral pleura) and chest wall lining (parietal pleura) and sometimes the lining of the diaphragm and the heart are removed. If only a part of the tumor can be removed this will be done to reduce fluid build-up and pain.
Want more? Click here
