3 Facts About Pleurectomy Treatment for Mesothelioma

Being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, such as mesothelioma, can be overwhelming, leaving many with questions about their treatment options. A pleurectomy is one common treatment to remove the affected tissue from the lungs. While it is a popular mesothelioma treatment, it is critical to understand what to expect about the procedure and its benefits so you can make an informed decision about your health.

Mesothelioma treatments can be expensive, and many victims often must contend with financial challenges in addition to their physical and emotional burdens. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have grounds to pursue legal recourse for the losses you have suffered. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we are dedicated to helping our clients recover the maximum compensation for their claims. Our esteemed principal attorney, Joe Williams, has never lost a mesothelioma case and will work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome on your behalf. 

Everything You Need to Know About the Pleurectomy Procedure

A pleurectomy typically goes hand-in-hand with another procedure known as a decortication. A pleurectomy involves opening the chest to remove the lung’s pleural lining and any cancerous tissues. Then, decortication is performed to eliminate visible tumor masses from the lung’s surface and surrounding chest area.

Traditionally, specialists view pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) as a treatment to provide relief, focusing on easing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. This procedure is often the first choice to treat individuals with pleural mesothelioma. 

How Does a Pleurectomy Treat Mesothelioma?

Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is a surgical procedure involving carefully removing the pleura, the lung’s external lining, and any tumors visible within the chest. A key goal of P/D, along with other surgical interventions for mesothelioma, revolves around eliminating all tumor tissue visible without microscopic aid. Typically, the more cancer tissue the surgeon can remove, the greater the likelihood of improving the patient’s survival rates. 

P/D is frequently integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan to attempt to remove all cancer cells thoroughly. These treatment plans often incorporate additional measures like chemotherapy and radiation therapy to find the most effective combination to extend the patient’s life.

What to Expect During a Plerectomy

The two-part pleurectomy and decortication surgery lasts between four to six hours. During the procedure, the surgical team meticulously ensures the protection of vital chest structures. 

Starting with general anesthesia, the patient is positioned on their side in the operating room for optimal access to the chest. An incision between the ribs, known as a thoracotomy, is made, and the sixth rib is removed to access the pleural space. The surgical team then carefully detaches and removes the outermost layer of the pleura, addressing any tumors on the diaphragm or heart lining as necessary.

The decortication phase follows, focusing on removing the pleura closer to the lungs and any tumor-invaded lung tissue, aiming to remove as much cancer as possible. After the incisions are closed, the patient moves on to the recovery stage, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. 

Benefits of Getting a Pleurectomy

A pleurectomy offers several benefits for mesothelioma patients, including the following:

• It is safer than removing a lung
• It offers improved quality of life
• It provides improved tolerance for additional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
• Provides a wider range of eligibility for patients

While a pleurectomy is a popular mesothelioma treatment option, discussing your options with a qualified specialist is essential. Your surgeon will be able to review your treatment options and advise you on the best path forward. 

Partner With a Trusted Mesothelioma Attorney at The Williams Law Firm, P.C.

Reviewing your treatment options for mesothelioma can be daunting, making it essential to have a trusted legal partner by your side. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we understand the complexities of your situation. Our team is dedicated to safeguarding your rights and ensuring you receive the attention and compensation you deserve during this challenging time.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. You can reach our dedicated team at (855) 575-6376 or by completing our contact form. We are here to fight for you.