Removal of Lung or Tumors May Extend Your Survival
Depending on the stage a patient is diagnosed, they may have the option to remove a diseased lung or tumor. These surgeries are considered curative because they are intended to cure mesothelioma, but in actuality, they may extend the life of the patient. Surgery to remove the diseased lung is called a pneumonectomy. Surgery to remove tumors, the diseased lung and tissue is called an extrapleural pneumonectomy.
- Pneumonectomy
This surgery is for patients who are in earlier stages of cancer. The surgery involves removing the diseased lung. This type of surgery is not always the best option, however, because there may still be cancerous cells surrounding the lung that will continue to spread after the surgery.
- Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Mesothelioma patients with cancer only in one lung are candidates for this type of surgery and it is only done if the cancer is in Stage I or Stage II. This type of surgery is very risky and only performed in rare situations. It is removal of the entire lung as well as the areas surrounding it. The purpose for removing tumors, the diseased lung and tissue is to attempt to stop the spread of cancer throughout the pleura or entire body.
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