Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that originates in the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of cells that lubricates and protects the body’s internal organs within the body cavity. Treatment for malignant mesothelioma can be difficult by surgical means because the nature of the cancer is such that its spread is often swift, eliminating many patients from surgery. The location of the cancer can also be difficult for doctors to operate. However, if the cancer is discovered early enough, there are surgical options for patients of malignant mesothelioma. These options often represent the best case scenarios in terms of prognosis. There are essentially two surgeries that are performed in cases of early stage malignant mesothelioma. They are a pleurectomy and an extra-pleural pneumonectomy.
A pleurectomy is a less invasive surgery that deals exclusively with the pleura, which is mesothelium surrounding the lungs. After a thorough dosage of anesthesia is administered to the patient, a surgeon will enter the patient’s chest cavity through a small incision beneath the armpit. The pleura will be cut out from around the lung and removed. After the removal of the pleura, the surgeon may administer anti-cancer drugs directly to the area in order to kill any remaining cells. This type of procedure typically requires a hospital stay of two to three days followed by a recovery period of two to three weeks.
An extra pleural pneumonectomy is a much more comprehensive surgery that intends not only to target area where the cancer is at the moment, but also where it could spread in the future. While the surgery is invasive, it does represent the single best treatment results in terms of prognosis for patients battling malignant mesothelioma. After the patient is significantly anesthetized, the surgeon will enter through the chest cavity in an incision measuring approximately nine inches. The visible cancer is removed along with the entire affected lung, the pleura, the pericardium, and the diaphragm. An extra pleural pneumonectomy will require a two week hospital stay followed by a six to eight week recovery period.
If you a patient of early stage malignant mesothelioma, ask your physician if either of these surgical procedures may benefit you. Often, these procedures be performed by physicians who are well versed in thoracic surgery and will require travel to a cancer center that specializes in these procedures.