Treatments For Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is an exceedingly rare cancer, but it can be devastating when it does form. In most cases, the cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. Inhaled asbestos fibers stay in the body for years, until they finally cause the mesothelial cells protecting the lungs to become cancerous. By the time many individuals see a doctor about their pleural mesothelioma symptoms, the disease has already progressed through a great deal of their body. The right treatment plan will vary depending on the stage of cancer, other affected organs, and the specific symptoms. These are the main treatment options available for patients today.

Surgery

There are three main types of surgery a doctor might recommend for a patient with pleural mesothelioma: extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), pleurectomy with decortication (P/D), and pleurodesis.

For many patients, the best chance of total cancer removal is with an EPP. However, this is the most extreme and invasive of the three procedures. If a person doesn't have good overall health, or they might not be able to handle the recovery process, their doctor will suggest an alternative option. Elderly individuals and children generally shouldn't undergo an EPP. EPP removes the entire lung that has been affected by the pleural mesothelioma. It also removes portions of the chest and heart's protective lining, nearby lymph nodes, and a part of or the entirety of the diaphragm.

A P/D operation, which employs two main surgical techniques, spares the lungs and is done with less invasiveness. During the pleurectomy, the surgeons remove the mesothelial cells around whichever lung is growing the tumor. During the decortication, the surgeons remove any visible tumors on and around the diseased lung.

Pleurodesis is a palliative operation. Doctors recommend this procedure when a patient is experiencing pressure and pain from the built-up fluid in their chest. A doctor will insert a tube into the patient's chest wall. The built-up fluid from the pleural effusion will then be drained, relieving the painful pressure. This procedure allows easier breathing and a reduction in pain.

Continue for the next treatment for pleural mesothelioma.