🌬️ Mesothelioma Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Evaluating Lung Health Before Mesothelioma Surgery
🔍 What Are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)?
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung capacity, airflow, and oxygen exchange, which helps doctors determine whether a patient’s lungs are strong enough to undergo major surgery like extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) or pleurectomy/decortication (P/D).
PFTs are a critical part of pre-surgical planning for pleural mesothelioma patients.
➡️ Source: American Thoracic Society
🫁 Why PFTs Are Used in Mesothelioma Care
For patients with pleural mesothelioma, doctors need to ensure that removing lung tissue or operating near the lungs won’t cause serious breathing problems.
PFTs help answer:
-
💨 Can the lungs handle the stress of surgery?
-
💉 Is oxygen exchange sufficient at rest and under exertion?
-
🩻 Is one lung healthy enough to function if the other is removed?
Without these tests, surgery could pose life-threatening risks.
📊 What PFTs Measure
PFTs include several components, each providing specific insights into lung health:
-
🔄 Spirometry: Measures how much air you can exhale and how fast
-
📉 Lung Volume Tests: Determine total lung capacity and residual air
-
🧪 Gas Exchange Tests: Assess how efficiently oxygen moves into the blood and carbon dioxide is removed
-
🧬 Diffusing Capacity (DLCO): Evaluates how well the lungs transfer gases
-
🫁 Oxygen Saturation Tests: May include pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas tests
Each result is compared to predicted “normal” values based on age, height, and gender.
🧪 How the Test Works
PFTs are safe, fast, and non-invasive:
-
🧑⚕️ Performed by a respiratory therapist or technician
-
🪑 Patient breathes into a mouthpiece attached to a machine
-
🕐 Testing time: 30–60 minutes total
-
🧘 Requires effort and coordination from the patient
-
🛏️ No sedation or recovery time needed
Doctors may ask patients to avoid certain medications or smoking before testing for accurate results.
📋 How PFTs Influence Treatment Decisions
For mesothelioma patients considering surgery:
-
✅ Good lung function = candidate for aggressive surgery (EPP or P/D)
-
⚠️ Compromised lung function = may need alternate treatment plan (chemo, immunotherapy)
-
🛑 In rare cases, surgery may be ruled out if lungs can’t handle it
PFTs help surgeons balance treatment effectiveness vs. surgical safety.
💡 Advances in Pulmonary Testing
Modern PFT technologies offer improved precision:
-
📡 Digital spirometers provide real-time results
-
📈 Computerized interpretation compares to population norms
-
🧠 Artificial Intelligence (AI) models now assist in predicting surgical outcomes based on PFT data
These advances help doctors make safer, more informed decisions for mesothelioma patients.
💲 Insurance and Cost Considerations
PFTs are typically covered by insurance when part of cancer staging or surgical planning:
-
💵 Average cost (without insurance): $300–$1,200
-
🧾 Includes technician time, physician review, and equipment use
-
🏥 Additional charges may apply if performed in a hospital setting
Patients with no insurance may qualify for financial aid or legal compensation if asbestos exposure is confirmed.
⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help
If PFTs are part of your pre-surgery workup for mesothelioma, a lawyer can:
-
🏭 Identify where asbestos exposure occurred
-
💵 Help recover testing and treatment costs
-
📜 File claims with asbestos trust funds or responsible manufacturers
-
🎖️ Assist with VA benefits for veterans
-
👨👩👦 Support families in wrongful death cases
Most mesothelioma law firms charge no fee unless you win your case.
📞 Free Legal Help After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
If your PFTs are part of preparing for mesothelioma surgery, you may be eligible for compensation.
Call Now: 800.291.0963
• No upfront cost
• No legal fee unless we win
• Product & job site investigation included
• Help for workers, veterans, and families
Or request free help online 24/7.