Thoracic surgery is an option for some mesothelioma patients. There are several types of thoracic (chest) surgery that may be appropriate for an individual with mesothelioma, but the choice of surgery is a decision that a patient will need to make together with his or her physician(s).

Types of Thoracic Surgery for Mesothelioma

The type of thoracic surgery will depend on several factors such as the extent of the mesothelioma, the health of the patient, and the prognosis for a good outcome after surgery.

• Pleurectomy and decortication ─ In this surgery, part of the covering of the lungs and lining of the chest and part of the outside surface of the lungs are removed.

• Wide local excision ─ This is used to remove both the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it (a "wide" excision).

• Pleurodesis ─ A chemical is used to make a scar between the layers of the pleura, and unwanted fluid is drained from the space via a chest tube. The chemical is put into the space, and the resulting scarring blocks the fluid build-up in the pleural cavity.

• Extrapleural pneumonectomy ─ An entire lung and part of the lining of the chest, the lining of the sac around the heart, and the diaphragm are removed.

• Lung transplant ─ One or both lungs are removed and then replaced with healthy lungs from a donor.

Additional Therapy May Be Necessary

Even if all of the tumor tissue that could be found during the thoracic surgery was removed, it may be necessary to administer radiation therapy or chemotherapy later in order to kill any cancer cells that are left. Such treatment that is given after surgery is called "adjuvant" therapy.

Learn More about Thoracic Surgery Options

The more that you know about medical treatment alternatives, the better the decisions you can make, whether you yourself have mesothelioma or your loved one has been diagnosed with this cancer. We're happy to share all the information we have about thoracic surgery for mesothelioma with you; feel free to contact us.