A recent study by United Kingdom researchers discovered when considering the mesothelioma surgery options, there is no clear choice. Cancer centers and mesothelioma doctors often disagree about which procedure to offer between extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decotication (P/D).
The surgeries attempt to either remove and cure the patient or relieve the tumor-caused symptoms, including pain. Because cells are often left behind, the procedures extend life more than cure. Additionally, the complete extent of the tumors may be hidden until the surgery begins and at times the doctor decides after the operation begins which method is appropriate.
EPP is selected when the patient is in good overall health with the possibility of being completely cured. On the side containing the cancer, the surgeon will remove the lung, pleura (lines the chest wall), pericardium (sac enclosing the heart) and part of the diaphragm, then remake the pericardium and diaphragm from manmade components.
While P/D can be used as a cure in the early stages, its less extensive process serves more as relief to those suffering. The lung remains while the pleura covering the diaphragm, mediastinum, chest wall and lung are removed. In some cases the pericardium and diaphragm are also removed.
After studying 16 cases, it was determined those undergoing P/D surgery experience an average survival range of approximately eight months to 32 months while EPP participants experiences approximately seven to 47 months.
Whatever the decision, surgery proves itself as an effective method to fighting mesothelioma.
To read more results and access the release, click here.
Footnotes
American Cancer Society. (2013). Surgery for malignant mesothelioma. Learn About Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignantmesothelioma/detailedguide/malignant-mesothelioma-treating-surgery
PRWeb. (2014). UK researchers say the jury is still out on mesothelioma surgery, according to surviving mesothelioma. Surviving Mesothelioma. Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/03/prweb11671086.htm
