Surgical Treatment Options

• Surgical Treatment Options
• Pleurectomy
• Pnuemonectomy
• Extraplueral pneumonectomy
• Peritonectomy
• Risks

Surgery is one of the most common forms of treatment for malignant mesothelioma. Before this invasive therapy can be considered, however, the patient's overall health must be carefully evaluated. If the patient is a good candidate for surgery, his or her physician may suggest one of the following procedures based on the type of mesothelioma, the location and size of the cancerous cells, and other factors.

Pleurectomy

This is one of several surgical options for individuals diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. A pleurectomy is a complex procedure to remove parts of the membrane lining the lung.

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Pnuemonectomy

A pneumonectomy is a more aggressive surgery that is also used to treat pleural mesothelioma. In this procedure, surgery is performed to remove the diseased lung.

Extraplueral pneumonectomy

An extraplueral pneumonectomy is another option for malignant mesothelioma patients. Similar to a traditional pnuemonectomy, this procedure is used to remove a lung, but areas of the diaphragm and the lining around the heart are removed as well.

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Peritonectomy

For patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a peritonectomy is the only surgical option. This procedure is performed to remove the membrane lining the abdomen, tumors on the abdominal wall, or tumors on other digestive organs.

Risks

Even for patients who are good candidates for surgery, these treatments carry significant risks. They are complex procedures that only a few surgeons are able to perform. Patients and their families should be well aware of the potential benefits and the dangers associated with each of the surgeries before making a decision about how to proceed with treatment.