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In order to better serve and support our clients, the Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler strive to keep up to date on all new and relevant information that arises pertaining to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. This includes the latest research on new treatment options and diagnostic tools as well as any other studies that may help or give hope to the patients suffering from this devastating disease. We recently reviewed a study that indicates that pleural mesothelioma patients who undergo lung-sparing surgery as opposed to those who undergo lung-sacrificing surgery may enjoy an improved quality of life. This study confirmed the beliefs of many proponents of lung-sparing procedures and provides justification for continued research in this area.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a highly aggressive disease that is linked to an exposure to asbestos. This disease, which initially affects the thin membrane that surrounds the lungs, may eventually spread to the lungs themselves. At that point, patients will often experience symptoms due to the decreasing ability of the lungs to properly function and fully expand.
Surgery is a common method used to treat patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma when it is diagnosed at an early stage. Two of the more common surgical procedures that are utilized to treat patients are an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and a pleurectomy/decortication (P/D). There is much controversy amongst healthcare professionals as to which surgical procedures offer patients the best quality of life and the best chances for survival.
For those patients who undergo the more aggressive lung-sacrificing surgery known as the extrapleural pneumonectomy procedure, the diseased lung is removed along with other diseased areas such as the linings of the lungs and heart, nearby lymph nodes and the diaphragm. The second popular surgical option for pleural mesothelioma, the less aggressive procedure known as a pleurectomy/decortication involves two steps. First, a pleurectomy is performed where the lining surrounding the lung, which is called the pleura, is removed. The second part of the surgery involves the decortication process, which involves the removal of any visible tumor masses in that area. In addition, a surgeon will often scrape the lung itself to remove any possible cancer growth. With this treatment option, the lung is spared, meaning it is left intact.
A study was recently published in the Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals. Researchers at the University Medical Center in Freiburg, Germany examined the records of forty-eight patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma. All patients had their disease limited to only one side of their chest. The researchers’ objective was to determine and compare the patient’s pulmonary function before and after their surgical treatment. Twenty-five of the patients underwent an extrapleural pneumonectomy while the other twenty-three patients had a pleurectomy/decortication.
The researchers concluded that the pleurectomy/decortication approach preserved better pulmonary function. The results from the study showed no significant difference in the pulmonary function measurements that were taken before surgery and after surgery for this group. In comparison, the patients who underwent the extrapleural pleuropneumonectony demonstrated significantly lower results on their pulmonary function tests postoperatively. The team of researchers concluded that the side effects from this extensive surgical approach leads to decreased lung capacity, which in turn can lead to shortness of breath and a reduced quality of life.
If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease, we encourage you to contact one of the experienced and knowledgeable Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at the law firm of Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler to discuss the details of your situation and the legal options that are available to you. Our compassionate legal team can provide you with the guidance and support in pursuing a solid mesothelioma lawsuit. We will fight to achieve justice and secure you the maximum financial compensation to which you are entitled to under the law.
Our mesothelioma lawyers are proud to protect the rights of mesothelioma patients and their families throughout the state of Pennsylvania including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County and Montgomery County as well as throughout the state of New Jersey. Our office is conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia. Call us today at 215-569-4000 to schedule a free consultation with one of our qualified mesothelioma attorneys or fill out our online contact form.