Mesothelioma FAQ

Surgical procedures are generally aimed at removing the cancer from the body. This is a very extensive procedure, and no surgical process can remove all mesothelioma cancer from the body at once. Several sessions could be required. Although there is no known cure for mesothelioma, surgery is the best treatment method to mitigate the symptoms of mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma

The two general types of surgical treatment for pleural mesothelioma are Curative surgery and Palliative surgery.

Curative surgery: This surgery is typically done if the patient is in good health and tumor is thought to be localized and can be removed completely. Unfortunately, the cancer cells tend to spread around the heart, over nerves, into the chest wall, the diaphragm, and it is difficult to detect this spread. Because of this, the exact role of surgery is often debated. Even though this surgery is performed with curative intent, it can’t completely remove malignant mesothelioma. It is important to also note highly involved surgical procedures such as extrapleural pneumonectomy cannot cure mesothelioma either. Curative surgery has proven to significantly increase survival rates. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy is considered a curative surgery.

Palliative surgery: When the tumor is difficult to remove completely (having spread beyond the mesothelium), palliative surgery is recommended. Also this method is often chosen if the patient is too ill to tolerate a more extensive operation. Palliative surgery will not cure the patient, but it does control symptoms of the disease by having masses removed that are causing pain or pressure on adjacent structures. Pleurectomy/Decortication and Pneumonectomy are examples of palliative surgery.

by MesotheliomaFaq.org Assistant