What Are the Current Types of Mesothelioma Surgery?

What Are the Current Types of Mesothelioma Surgery?

The current types of surgery for pleural mesothelioma include extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy and decortication (P/D). A thoracotomy is the first part of an EPP or P/D surgery. This allows doctors to operate on organs inside the chest. Surgeons may also use a diagnostic procedure called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which is inserting a tiny camera through a small cut in the chest to see the lung. VATS allows doctors to see inside the chest and take biopsy samples. The primary surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma is cytoreductive surgery, also known as debulking surgery.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)

EPP removes the cancerous lung and all nearby areas where mesothelioma spreads. This can include nearby lymph nodes, parts of the chest lining, heart lining and diaphragm.

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Pleurectomy and Decortication (P/D)

P/D spares the lung and only removes cancerous parts of the pleural lining, the chest wall lining and the diaphragm.

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Cytoreductive Surgery

Cytoreductive surgery removes cancerous growths from the lining of the abdomen. Also known as debulking surgery or peritonectomy, this procedure is often followed by heated chemotherapy.

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