🔪 What Is Surgery for Mesothelioma?

Understanding Surgery for Mesothelioma: From Procedure to Prognosis

Surgery for mesothelioma aims to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible to extend life and improve symptoms. It’s typically part of a multimodal treatment plan that may include chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. Surgical options vary based on the type, stage, and location of mesothelioma. Candidates are carefully selected due to the invasive nature of the procedures.
Source: American Cancer Society

🛠️ When Is Mesothelioma Surgery Used? (Purpose & Planning)

Surgery may be recommended in specific cases where the tumor is localized and the patient is healthy enough for recovery.

Here’s when surgery is typically used:

Early-stage mesothelioma is detected
Surgery offers the best chance at extended survival when the cancer hasn’t spread extensively.

Tumor is confined to one side or region
This makes full or partial removal possible without major organ compromise.

Patient is in good health
A strong immune system and good lung/heart function are required for major thoracic or abdominal surgery.

Goal is to improve quality of life
Even when not curative, surgery may relieve pressure, reduce fluid, and ease symptoms like pain or breathlessness.

Part of multimodal therapy
Surgery often comes with chemotherapy or HIPEC to kill residual cancer cells and prevent recurrence.

📊 Types of Mesothelioma Surgery

There are several types of surgery depending on tumor location and goals:

Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D)
Removes the pleura (lung lining) and visible tumor tissue but spares the lung. Common for pleural mesothelioma.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)
Removes the entire affected lung, pleura, diaphragm, and part of the pericardium. More radical and used in select cases.

Cytoreductive Surgery + HIPEC
Used for peritoneal mesothelioma. Removes visible tumors from the abdomen and bathes the area with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Pericardiectomy
Rare. Removes part or all of the pericardium (heart lining) in cases of pericardial mesothelioma.

Orchiectomy (Testicular)
Removes one or both testicles in rare testicular mesothelioma cases, often discovered during hernia repair.

⚠️ Who Qualifies for Surgery?

Not every patient is eligible for mesothelioma surgery. Selection is based on:

• Cancer stage: Best results in stage 1–2 with no distant spread

• Tumor location: Surgery is more successful in pleural or peritoneal cases

• Cell type: Epithelioid cells respond better to surgery than sarcomatoid

• Overall health: Good lung, kidney, and cardiac function required

• No extensive metastasis: Distant spread usually eliminates surgical options

Source: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

🧪 Pre-Surgical Diagnostic Process

Before surgery, patients undergo a detailed evaluation:

• Imaging: CT, PET, and MRI scans to assess tumor size and location

• Biopsy: Confirms mesothelioma type (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic)

• Pulmonary Function Tests: Measures lung strength for pleural surgery

• Blood Work & Heart Tests: Ensures the patient can tolerate major procedures

The surgical team uses these results to build a personalized treatment plan.

📈 Outcomes & Survival Rates After Surgery

Surgery outcomes vary based on stage, tumor location, and cell type:

• Pleurectomy/Decortication: 1.5–3 years average survival with multimodal treatment

• Extrapleural Pneumonectomy: 1–2.5 years survival; higher risk, but longer life in some

• HIPEC with Cytoreduction: 3–5+ year survival in some peritoneal cases

• Testicular Surgery: Often curative if caught early and localized

Surgical success is higher with epithelioid cell types and no lymph node involvement.
Source: American Cancer Society

💉 Risks & Complications of Mesothelioma Surgery

All major surgeries carry risks. For mesothelioma procedures, complications may include:

• Bleeding or blood clots

• Infection or wound healing issues

• Pneumonia or lung collapse (especially in EPP)

• Respiratory distress

• Organ damage

• Extended recovery time (weeks to months)

Patients are monitored closely before, during, and after surgery to minimize complications.

💰 Cost of Mesothelioma Surgery

Surgery costs can be substantial, especially with follow-up treatment:

• Pleurectomy/Decortication: $40,000–$80,000

• Extrapleural Pneumonectomy: $75,000–$120,000

• Cytoreduction + HIPEC: $100,000–$200,000

• Hospital stays & post-op rehab: Add $10K–$50K+

• Follow-up scans & medications

Insurance may cover some, but not all, costs. Legal compensation is often essential.

⚖️ Legal Help for Surgical Patients

Patients who underwent surgery due to asbestos exposure are eligible for legal compensation:

• Asbestos Trust Funds – Over $30 billion available

• Lawsuits & Settlements – Often $1M–$2.5M+ for valid claims

• VA Benefits – For veterans who qualify for military-related exposure

• Wrongful Death Claims – Available for deceased patients’ families
  MesotheliomaHelp.org – Legal Guide

📚 Lawsuit Examples Involving Surgical Mesothelioma Cases

Navy Electrician — $10.4 Million Verdict (2021)
Details: Underwent EPP surgery after pleural mesothelioma diagnosis. Exposed aboard ships.
Outcome: Verdict held manufacturer responsible.
Source: Bloomberg Law

Boilermaker — $9.2 Million Settlement (2019)
Details: Diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma; underwent HIPEC.
Outcome: Compensation paid for 40 years of asbestos exposure.
Source: Mealey’s Litigation Report

Construction Foreman — $7.8 Million Verdict (2020)
Details: P/D surgery performed after ceiling tile exposure in public buildings.
Outcome: Building supplier found liable.
Source: VerdictSearch

Veteran Machinist — $8.6 Million Settlement (2022)
Details: Pleural mesothelioma patient; surgery extended life by 2.5 years.
Outcome: Civil and VA compensation combined.
Source: National Law Review

🔬 Research and Surgical Advances

• SMART Protocol: Combines surgery with high-dose radiation for better outcomes

• Minimally Invasive Surgery Trials: Reducing recovery times

• HIPEC Innovations: Improved drug delivery and temperature control

• Biomarker Studies: Identifying patients most likely to benefit from surgery

View trials at: ClinicalTrials.gov

📍 Final Prognosis

Surgery offers the greatest survival benefit for early-stage mesothelioma, especially in combination with chemotherapy or HIPEC. While not a cure, it can significantly improve life expectancy and symptom control.

Selecting the right surgeon and medical center with mesothelioma experience is critical to success.

👨‍⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

An experienced asbestos attorney can:

• Prove your exposure history related to job sites or products

• File claims against manufacturers or asbestos trust funds

• Help cover surgery and treatment costs through compensation

• Assist families with wrongful death claims

• Work on contingency—no payment unless you win

📞 Free Legal Help for Surgery Patients With Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one underwent surgery for mesothelioma and have a history of asbestos exposure—you may be eligible for significant compensation.

Call Now: 800.291.0963
• No upfront fees
• No costs unless we win
• Surgical history and job site analysis included
• Help for veterans, tradesmen, and families

Or request help online 24/7