Surgery for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue lining the lungs, abdomen, or other organs. For some patients, surgery is part of the treatment plan. Surgery can be used to confirm a diagnosis, to remove visible tumor, or to relieve symptoms. The type of surgery depends on where the cancer is located, how far it has spread, and the patient's overall health.
Why Surgery Is Used
Surgeons approach mesothelioma in three main ways. First, surgery may be diagnostic. A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue so a pathologist can confirm whether mesothelioma is present and what cell type it is. Second, surgery may be curative in intent. When the cancer is caught early and confined to one area, a surgeon may attempt to remove as much tumor as possible. Third, surgery may be palliative. The goal is not to cure the cancer but to reduce pain, fluid buildup, or difficulty breathing.
Types of Surgery
For pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, common procedures include:
- Pleurodesis. A procedure that seals the space between the lung and chest wall to prevent fluid from accumulating and making it hard to breathe.
- Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). The surgeon removes the diseased lining of the lung and any visible tumor while leaving the lung itself intact.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). A more extensive operation that removes the lung, the lining of the lung, part of the diaphragm, and nearby tissue. EPP is performed less often than in the past because of its higher risk and longer recovery.
For peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen, surgery often involves removing visible tumor from the abdominal cavity. This may be combined with heated chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdomen during the operation, a treatment known as HIPEC.
Who May Be a Candidate
Not every patient is a candidate for surgery. Doctors typically consider the stage of the cancer, the cell type, and the patient's age and general fitness. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most common cell type, tends to respond better to treatment than other types. Surgery is most often recommended when the cancer has not spread to distant organs and when the patient is strong enough to recover from the procedure.
Because surgery for mesothelioma is complex, it is usually performed at specialized cancer centers with experience in the disease. Many patients receive a combination of treatments, such as surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation, rather than surgery alone.
Recovery and What to Expect
Recovery time varies widely. Less invasive procedures such as pleurodesis may require only a short hospital stay. Major operations such as P/D or EPP can require weeks in the hospital and months of recovery at home. Patients may need help with daily activities, pain management, and breathing exercises during recovery. It is important to discuss realistic goals, risks, and recovery time with the surgical team before any procedure.
Mesothelioma Care in Missouri
Missouri has a history of asbestos exposure tied to industrial work, construction, and mining in parts of the state. People diagnosed with mesothelioma in Missouri may need to travel to a major medical center for specialized surgical care. St. Louis and Kansas City are home to hospitals and cancer programs that treat mesothelioma, and patients should ask their care team about referral options, second opinions, and support services close to home.
Every mesothelioma case is different. Surgery is one tool among several, and the right plan depends on a patient's specific situation. Anyone facing a mesothelioma diagnosis should speak with a doctor who specializes in the disease to understand what options are available.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney or physician about your specific situation.
