Mesolthelioma Information You Won\'t Find Elsewhere

There are three main ways to treat mesothelioma, these are: chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Surgical procedures used in the treatment of disease are threefold: "Diagnostic Procedures, palliative procedures, potentially curative procedures

Diagnostic procedures

From the diagnostic surgery is a necessary step in confirming and staging mesothelioma.

Thoracoscopy enables a physician to examine the pleural space and take multiple tissue biopsies under direct vision. In up to 98% of cases, definitive diagnosis can be obtained. Often, chemical pleurodesis aimed at reducing accumulation of fluid in the intrapleural space, can be done during the same procedure. It is also possible to measure the extent of the tumor, and see the possibility of removal of the tumor surgically. Although less invasive than open biopsy, can only be performed in patients where the tumor has not completely blocked the pleural space.

VATS or video-assisted thoracic surgery is an alternative to thoracoscopy, although because of its more invasive nature, could lead to the planting of the tumor (tumor fragments detached by contact). Using small incisions in the skin, the surgeon can view the pleural space the aid of a camera, and obtain sufficient tissue samples for analysis by a pathologist. The extent of the tumor (ie, involvement of the pleura, invasion of the chest wall) can also be determined, and recommendation on the type of debulking procedure decrease) (must be done in this time.

Mediastinoscopy is sometimes used as an aid in organizing the extent of the disease when observed using imaging techniques lymphadenopathy.

Laparoscopy is used in patients with mesothelioma in cases where imaging techniques suggest a possible invasion of the tumor through the diaphragm. This information may be important in evaluating a patient for potential pleurectomy (complete removal of the pleura on one side or) extrapleural pneumonectomy (removal Full of a lung).

Palliative Procedures
Palliative surgery procedures are those that treat the symptoms of mesothelioma, without aggressively treating the disease itself.

Tube chest drainage and pleurodesis is considered the most common of palliative treatments. The accumulation of fluid, or effusion effusion, is most often the first symptom that prompted patients with mesothelioma to seek medical attention. Once the spill has occurred, is continuing in many Sometimes, returning rapidly after initial thoracentesis (draining of fluid). To eliminate this problem, the pleural space must be closed. This is accomplished using a paste of talc or other sclerosing agent which produces a bond that makes the layers of the pleura to stick thus closing the pleural space.

Thoracoscopy and pleurodesis is done with vats with a dusting of talc versus talc slurry. Both this and chest tube drainage and pleurodesis can be effective only if no tumor lining the lung, limiting its expansion.

Pleurectomy, used as a palliative procedure may be performed in more extensive surgery is not an option. In these cases, it is understood that all visible or gross tumor is not removed. It is considered the most effective means of controlling pleural effusion in cases where expansion lung is restricted by the disease.

Potentially curative procedures
These procedures are performed with "curative intent. His objective is the elimination of all serious illness, with the knowledge that microscopic disease will most likely remain. Adjuvant therapy (another form of treatment, in addition to primary therapy) as chemotherapy and or radiotherapy is given to eliminate any residual disease.

For patients with mesothelioma Pleural
-Pleurectomy/Decortication Is usually performed in patients with early stage disease (Stage I and Stage II selected), and attempts to remove the entire tumor macroscopic. If it appears that the entire tumor can not be removed without removing the lung, which can be done at once, and is called pneumonectomy.

"Extrapleural Pneumonectomy is much more radical than other surgical procedures, and must be performed by surgeons with extensive experience in the evaluation of patients and perform procedure itself.

For peritoneal mesothelioma:
• Cytoreductive surgery aims to remove all or nearly macroscopic tumor or visible throughout the peritoneal cavity. In order to treat any remaining cancer cells, intra-peritoneal hyperthermic (heated) Chemotherapy (IPHC) is delivered to the abdominal cavity. The type of chemotherapy drug used may vary according to physician preference.

Surgery is usually combined with other types of treatments to achieve the maximum result during treatment.
Patients should also be educated about mesothelioma and treatment options available and reach resources to cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis easier.

About the Author:

Bello kamorudeen. For complete information on mesothelioma, and mesothelioma treatments visit http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Mesothelioma Surgery – Do You Know the Different Types That Are Available to You?

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