Pericardial Mesothelioma Surgical Procedures
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the heart derived from exposure to asbestos. Most patients who are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma have a grim prognosis and few treatment options. Treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma include radiation therapies, physical therapy, chemotherapy and surgical procedures such as pericardiocentesis or extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Each procedure has its own set of risks and benefits for a patient who has been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. A pericardiocentesis is a procedure that relieves fluid pressure by extracting the fluid from the protective lining around the lungs.
A needle is used to extract the fluid around the heart by inserting it into the chest cavity and puncturing the protective lining that is affected by pericardial mesothelioma. A pericardiocentesis is a mid range procedure. While a pericardiocentesis is not considered aggressive, it comes with a few risks, including infection, but is known to effectively reduce discomfort around the heart.
Of course, it’s important for a patient with pericardial mesothelioma to remember that a pericardiocentesis comes with the risk of complications, as there is a needle creating suction right next to the heart. This procedure is not one that can often be done by a general surgeon, and most patients seek out a specialist for this type of procedure.
While a pericardiocentesis does have a few risks, it is the less aggressive surgical choice for a patient with pericardial mesothelioma. An extrapleural pneumonectomy is a procedure that is considered much more aggressive, and often applies to healthier candidates as it does take a toll on the body.
An extrapleural pneumonectomy is used when a pericardiocentesis is not effective at relieving chest discomfort. An extrapleural pneumonectomy is a procedure where the affected pleura, pericardium, diaphragm, and lung are removed from the side where the cancer is attacking.
An extrapleural pneumonectomy is considered a very aggressive procedure that is used in an effort to remove the cancer to the fullest extent possible in hopes of providing the patient with a chance at survival.
While an extrapleural pneumonectomy has been performed with mixed results, aggressive doctors tend to favor the procedure, as it provides the highest chance of success in patients who found their pericardial mesothelioma in its early stages.
A procedure as aggressive as an extrapleural pneumonectomy is destined to come with a high likelihood of risks. Infection, internal bleeding, and the inability to heal from such a drastic surgery are just a few.
Whether a patient with pericardial mesothelioma opts for an extrapleural pneumonectomy or a pericardiocentesis, these procedures are not considered a cure for pericardial mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is unfortunately considered a fatal disease, and while an extrapleural pneumonectomy has a chance at allowing a patient to fully recover, it is in no way a guarantee of survival.
Most physicians consider pericardiocentesis and extrapleural pneumonectomy to be procedures that are designed to alleviate discomfort and allow the patient to live as pain free as possible.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are typically prescribed along with either a pericardiocentesis or an extrapleural pneumonectomy. These procedures are not considered a replacement for other therapies in the process of trying to alleviate patient discomfort.
As a patient of pericardial mesothelioma, choices are often made that either hope for a cure while enduring great pain or a choice is made to strive for comfort as much as possible while attempting to live a life as pain free as possible while waiting for the inevitable.
These are not choices that anyone wishes to have to make. Mesothelioma of any sort is a nasty, ugly disease. Whether a patient opts for an extrapleural pneumonectomy, a pericardiocentesis, or radiation and chemotherapy alone, the prognosis is not good.
Very few people survive pericardial mesothelioma. Patients with early diagnosis have the best chance, although few people think about asbestos exposure they may or may not have had 30 to 40 years ago, and thus are typically not diagnosed until they experience symptoms.
By the time symptoms occur, it is usually well beyond the stages that a pericardiocentesis or an extrapleural pneumonectomy can do much more than make the patient feel a bit more comfortable.
It is unfortunate that the negligent management of companies has left the three thousand annually diagnosed mesothelioma victims with health that can not be regained. It is a desperate call to aid for those who have suffered needlessly so that a company or a governmental agency could save a few dollars. Mesothelioma is a sad mark on the concept of American business.
Nick Johnson is lead counsel and founding partner of Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving all types of Mesothelioma. Call 1-888-311-5522 today or visit http://www.nickjohnsonlaw.com for a free case evaluation.
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