Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) surgery strives to remove all cancer growth and extend lives of mesothelioma patients. The surgery removes the pleural membrane surrounding the diseased lung, lining around the heart, the cancerous tumors in the chest cavity and potentially the diaphragm.
Older mesothelioma patients are being misguided into believing they are too old to benefit from P/D surgery. However, a recent study reveals that a person’s age should not be the determining factor when deciding to have surgery that can improve their quality of life and lengthen life expectancies. The University of Chicago Medical Center recently published a study that revealed advanced age patients fared just as well as younger patients who had the surgery. In addition, surgery that involves older patients did not result in a higher mortality rate or shorter long term survival.
Researchers compared patients aged 70 and older with younger patients and concluded that the risks of P/D surgery were no different for the elderly patients that were in good, overall health.
The results of the study showed that the average post-surgery hospital stay was the same for both age groups. Even pre-existing conditions, such as hypertension and coronary heart disease, did not have an impact on elderly surgical patients during recovery. Contrary to what one might expect, the older group experienced less complications after surgery than the younger candidates.
Since mesothelioma is typically diagnosed later in life, after prolonged asbestos exposure, age should be disregarded when considering surgery as long as the candidate is functional and pretty active. The extent of the cancer, the localization of the cancer, lymph node involvement and overall performance after a battery of tests are more important criteria when deciding to have P/D surgery.
A mesothelioma and asbestos-related illness diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening. If you are considering pleurectomy/decortication surgery for yourself or a loved one suffering from mesothelioma, it is imperative that you locate a surgical center that specializes in P/D surgery. Physicians experienced with the surgery will not be reluctant to perform the operation because of age.
Families affected by mesothelioma need experienced asbestos lawyers who are familiar with the disease and can provide information to obtain the best possible outcome for your loved one. Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler will fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled so that you may pursue the best medical treatment options. Call 800-369-0899 or submit an online inquiry to schedule a free case review with an asbestos lawyer. We serve clients throughout the Delaware Valley including Philadelphia and New Jersey with our offices conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia.