Surgical Treatment Options
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.
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