Surgical treatment options for mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. There are three types of surgery for mesothelioma. However, only two are really used for the treatment.

The first type of surgery is performed by thoracoscopy. This is not actually used for the treatment of the patient. Instead, the scope is inserted surgically in the chest to inspect the mesothelium, lung, and heart. After a visual inspection, a much better position can be evaluate to make a possible method of treatment.

The second type of surgery is a pleurectomy. The purpose of this operation is to remove cancer cells in the pluera. In human terms, this means removing the cell layers covering the lungs. If the cancer cells can be removed totally before spreading to adjacent or distant organs, the prognosis will be much better.

The third operation is known as an extrapleural pneumonectomy. This is simply explained as a surgery to debulk the tumour cell as much as possible. Pleural may not be resected totally, only where the tumour cell affected will be resected. Part of a lung, the diaphragm and the sack around the heart will be removed as necessary. This is a very aggressive surgery and only the skilled surgeons are able to perform this treatment. Only the patients in advance stage undergo this operation.

Each case of mesothelioma is different, so you cannot assume that a particular operation works. Discuss the options with a qualified physician, they will help you select your best choice.