Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

Other Mesothelioma Surgeries

Posted on: March 6, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). While treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma, surgery plays a crucial role both in diagnosing the condition and in providing relief from symptoms. Here’s an overview of the surgical procedures associated with mesothelioma, focusing on diagnostic and palliative surgeries

Diagnostic Surgeries

  1. Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope, a device equipped with a camera and a light. It allows doctors to visually inspect the abdomen and obtain tissue samples. Laparoscopy is particularly useful in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma.
  2. Laparotomy: This procedure involves a larger incision in the abdomen, providing direct access to the abdominal cavity. It allows for a more extensive examination and the collection of tissue samples, facilitating the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.
  3. Mediastinoscopy: In this procedure, a small incision is made in the chest to insert a mediastinoscope, a device similar to a laparoscope, into the mediastinum (the area between the lungs). It’s used to collect tissue samples from lymph nodes and is helpful in diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma.
  4. Thoracoscopy: Similar to a laparoscopy, this procedure involves making a small incision in the chest to insert a thoracoscope. This tool allows doctors to examine the chest cavity and collect biopsy samples. It’s recommended for diagnosing pleural mesothelioma.
  5. Thoracotomy: A more invasive procedure, thoracotomy involves making a large incision in the chest to directly access and examine the lungs, pleura, and surrounding tissue. It’s used to diagnose pleural mesothelioma and allows for the collection of large tissue samples.

Palliative Surgeries

Aside from diagnostic surgeries, patients with mesothelioma may also undergo surgery as a form of palliative care. Palliative surgeries are not aimed at curing the disease but rather at alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life. Examples include:

  • Pleurodesis: This procedure involves the removal of fluid from the pleural space (between the lung and chest wall) and the introduction of a substance to cause the pleural layers to stick together, preventing fluid buildup.
  • Pleurectomy/Decortication: In cases of pleural mesothelioma, this surgery removes part of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, along with as much of the tumor as possible, to relieve symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing.
  • Peritoneal catheter placement: For peritoneal mesothelioma, a catheter may be placed in the abdomen to continuously drain fluid and alleviate abdominal pain and swelling.

Each of these surgeries is tailored to the patient’s specific type of mesothelioma, overall health, and treatment goals. The choice of surgery depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease, the location of the tumors, and whether the aim is diagnosis, treatment, or palliation.