Mesothelioma is a devastating disease, often not
manifesting itself for many years following exposure to asbestos fibers. A
particularly aggressive treatment for mesothelioma is extrapleural pneumonectomy (known as EPP). The surgery is quite complicated
and serious, but, if successful, can offer significant benefits.
What does the Surgery Involve?
EPP involves the removal of as much of the
cancerous material as possible, which includes a lung, as well as the lining
around it, lymph nodes, diaphragm, and the heart lining. The surgery requires
that the patient be placed under general anesthesia. Because one lung is
removed, tests must be conducted prior to surgery to ensure that the remaining
lung will be strong enough to take over all lung function. Additionally, it
must be determined that the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.
The surgery is only viable if the mesothelioma is
diagnosed in its early stages, before it can spread to the lymph nodes or other
organs. As a result, EPP is often not a treatment option because mesothelioma
is usually not diagnosed until stage III or IV. “Staging” is a method of
describing the severity or extent of the cancer, with a range between stage 0
and stage IV. At stage IV, the cancer has spread to other tissues or organs far
in distance from the area it first developed.
What are the Benefits?
Undergoing EPP to treat mesothelioma may increase
the person’s life span, in addition to improving their quality of life by
making breathing easier. With additional treatment following EPP, such as
chemotherapy or radiation, a person may live for several more years. Further,
in some cases, the treatment may actually be curative.
Issues Related to EPP
It is important to keep in mind that EPP is
complicated and does pose potential risks. The most significant is a possible
increased risk of death during or shortly after the surgery is completed as
compared to traditional, more conventional surgery (pleurectomy/decortication).
Further, there may be health complications following the surgery, including,
but not limited to, internal bleeding, respiratory failure, and pneumonia.
Another risk is that the surgery will either not cure the patient of the cancer
or that the cancer will return.
Recovery from EPP is slow, taking a total time of
approximately six to eight weeks. After surgery, the patient will likely have
to remain in the hospital for two weeks for observation in case any
complications arise. The total recovery time is lengthy because the remaining lung
needs time to take over all lung functions.
Helping Mesothelioma Victims
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma,
obtaining the best possible treatment is critical. Because of this, it is
likely you will have significant medical costs. At the Throneberry Law Group, we have
the experience to help you obtain the resources you need to provide for your
treatment. Contact
us today and let us work for you.
www.mesolawcenter.com/contact-us
www.arizonamesotheliomaattorney.com/contact-us
