Mesothelioma
Surgery
Mesothelioma
is a relatively rare cancer of the lungs that is commonly seen
with people who have been exposed to asbestos. As it begins
to spread over the surface of the lung it secretes a clear fluid
that slowly collapses the chest. Patients then begin to experience
shortness of breath and as the tumor grows they also begin to
experience chest pain.
In
the U.S. there are approximately 4,000 new cases per year. It
affects the cells in the lining of the lungs (mesothelial cells).
There are three types of mesothelioma - epithelial, sarcomatous,
and a mixed type. The sarcomatous and mixed types spread quickly,
so treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation tend
to work better on epithelial mesothelioma.
Since
mesothelioma is a fast growing cancer, it is important to diagnose
and begin therapy as soon as possible.
Staging
System
There is a Staging System used to classify mesothelioma patients
and assess the best treatment for their particular stage of
cancer:
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·
Stage 1 - the tumor is confined to the lung and has not
reached the lymph nodes.
· Stage 2 - the tumor moves to the lymph nodes.
· Stage 3 - the tumor reaches the abdomen, the heart,
or the other side of the chest.
· Stage 4 - the cancer makes its way into the bloodstream.
This is very rare. |
Surgery
is usually only possible with Stage 1 and 2 patients.
Surgery
There
are several types of surgery that can be performed on mesothelioma
patients:
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The
first is called pleurodesis, which involves draining
the fluid from the lungs and applying talcum powder or some
other material that causes the lung to scar and adhere to
the chest wall. This prevents the lung from collapsing when
the fluid begins to build up again. |
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The
second type of surgery is called a pleurectomy; in
this surgery the chest is opened and the tumor is removed
from the lung. |
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The
third type of surgery is called an extrapleural pneumonectomy,
and involves the removal of the lung, the diaphragm, and
the covering of the heart. The heart covering and diaphragm
are then replaced with gortex. |
Following
surgery, the patient will undergo chemotherapy and then radiation
in an attempt to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Life
Expectancy
There
was a time when mesothelioma patients were not expected to survive
for very long. Now, if Stage 1 patients are properly treated,
approximately 50% of them will live another five years. Stage
2 patients can expect to live another two to four years. Stage
3 patients have a life expectancy of six to eight months and
for Stage 4 patients it is even less.
This
information is meant to provide a brief overview of mesothelioma
surgery. It is important that you consult a physician to discuss
treatment specific to your case.
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