Surgery: Information from a California Mesothelioma Cancer Attorney
There are two types of surgery for mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos-related cancers, and each performs a different function. The first is called palliative surgery and it is typically used to relieve the patient's pain and discomfort. The second, curative surgery, is intended to treat and cure the cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancer surgeries have had limited success. This is partly due to mesothelioma's latent symptomatic characteristic. In many cases, the disease will have progressed so far by the time of diagnosis that the surgery is rendered insufficient. A California mesothelioma attorney from the firm of Clapper & Patti can provide you with strong legal representation as well as information on various mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancer treatments.
Surgery for Pleural Mesothelioma
For patients with pleural mesothelioma, two surgical procedures are currently available: pleurectomy/decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Pleurectomy / Decortication
A palliative surgery for mesothelioma cancer, pleurectomy/decortication involves the removal of the entire pleura if the tumor cannot be removed. If successful, this surgery allows a mesothelioma cancer sufferer to live more comfortably by alleviating the debilitating pain associated with the condition.
Pneumonectomy
Pneumonectomy is a much more involved operation than pleurectomy/decortication, and it serves to both alleviate pain and to treat the mesothelioma cancer. During extrapleural pneumonectomy, the pleura, the diaphragm, the pericardium and the entire lung affected by the tumor are removed. The result of extrapleural pneumonectomy can vary from patient to patient. In some, pain will be relieved significantly. In others, the operation may remove all surrounding cancer, as well as the cancerous tumor itself, effectively curing the patient.
To speak with a California mesothelioma cancer attorney about your case, contact Clapper & Patti today.
If you or a loved one is afflicted with mesothelioma cancer or another asbestos-related disease, we at the law firm of Clapper & Patti would like to speak with you. A California-based mesothelioma attorney and the administrative and research team from our firm will examine your case in depth, provide you with information on possible treatment, and represent your rights in a court of law.
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If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer, contact our California-based law firm for a case review with a knowledgeable mesothelioma cancer attorney.