Types of Surgery for Mesothelioma

Palliative surgery

Palliative surgery is aimed at reducing pain and symptoms caused by mesothelioma cancer. Palliative surgery is the option when the tumor has grown beyond the mesothelium lining of the lung. When the cancer reaches this stage, it is difficult to remove. The surgeon may also choose this type of surgery in cases where the patient is too ill to endure a more aggressive surgery.

This type of treatment may also include a thoracentesis. This treatment removes the fluid in the chest. A needle is inserted into the chest, heart, or abdomen, drawing out the fluid, and relieving symptoms of the disease, like shortness of breath, coughing, and pain.

Curative Surgery

When the diagnosis of the cancer is completed in the early stages, surgeons may choose a more aggressive surgery – curative surgery. This type of surgery is offered to patients who are still in good health, and/or the tumor is localized. Surgeons who believe they can remove the entire tumor will chose this form of operation.
Curative surgery is not as effective with mesothelioma cancer because of its rapid spread. The cells may spread into the chest wall and diaphragm, heart, or abdomen, and remain undetected by normal tests.