Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or heart. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, and it has a poor prognosis. The prognosis for mesothelioma patients largely depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis, the patient’s overall health, and the treatment options available. Surgery is one of the primary treatment options for mesothelioma, but the survival rate for patients who undergo surgery varies depending on several factors.
Surgery for mesothelioma typically involves the removal of the affected tissue and organs, such as the lung, pleura, or peritoneum. It may also involve the removal of nearby lymph nodes or other structures that are affected by the cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible and to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
The survival rate for mesothelioma patients who undergo surgery varies depending on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of surgery performed, and the patient’s overall health. In general, patients who undergo surgery for mesothelioma have a better prognosis than those who do not.
According to a study published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery in 2020, the overall survival rate for patients who underwent surgery for mesothelioma was 36 months. The study looked at 1,305 patients who underwent surgery for mesothelioma between 1980 and 2017. The study found that the survival rate was significantly higher for patients with early-stage mesothelioma who underwent surgery than for those with advanced-stage mesothelioma.
The type of surgery performed also affects the survival rate for mesothelioma patients. There are several types of surgery that may be used to treat mesothelioma, including:
Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): This surgery involves the removal of the pleura, the lining of the lungs, along with any visible tumors. It is usually performed on patients with early-stage mesothelioma who have good overall health.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): This surgery involves the removal of the affected lung, the pleura, and other nearby tissues or organs, such as the diaphragm or pericardium. It is usually performed on patients with advanced-stage mesothelioma who have good overall health.
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): This surgery involves the removal of the affected peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, along with any visible tumors. After the surgery, heated chemotherapy is delivered directly to the abdomen to kill any remaining cancer cells. This surgery is typically performed on patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
The survival rate for patients who undergo P/D surgery varies depending on the stage of the cancer. According to a study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology in 2016, the median overall survival rate for patients with early-stage mesothelioma who underwent P/D surgery was 40 months. The study found that patients who underwent P/D surgery had a significantly better survival rate than those who did not undergo surgery.
The survival rate for patients who undergo EPP surgery is generally lower than for those who undergo P/D surgery. According to a study published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery in 2015, the median overall survival rate for patients with advanced-stage mesothelioma who underwent EPP surgery was 14 months. The study found that the survival rate was significantly lower for patients who underwent EPP surgery than for those who underwent P/D surgery.
The survival rate for patients who undergo CRS with HIPEC surgery also varies depending on several factors. According to a study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology in 2014, the median overall survival rate for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma who underwent CRS with HIPEC surgery was 53 months. The study found that the survival rate was significantly higher for patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC surgery than for those who underwent other types of surgery or no surgery at all.
In summary, the survival rate for mesothelioma patients who undergo surgery varies depending on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of surgery performed, and the patient’s overall health. Patients who undergo surgery for mesothelioma generally have a better prognosis than those who do not undergo surgery. P/D surgery has the highest survival rate for patients with early-stage mesothelioma, while EPP surgery may be necessary for patients with advanced-stage mesothelioma, but with a lower survival rate. CRS with HIPEC surgery is a promising treatment option for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, with a higher survival rate than other types of surgery.
