Mesothelioma Guide registered nurse Karen Ritter created a list of questions for people diagnosed with mesothelioma to ask their doctor when considering surgery. For more information on surgery options for mesothelioma and other questions to ask your doctor, contact Karen at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com.
Mesothelioma surgery is one of the first treatment options to consider when fighting this aggressive cancer. Surgery is used to remove most or all mesothelioma tumors from the body.
If successful, surgery can extend survival for patients, and some mesothelioma survivors have lived for five or more years thanks to surgery.
Patients have more success fighting mesothelioma if they understand their options for surgery. This starts with an open dialogue with the doctor about the risks and benefits, recovery time, and the quality of life to expect after surgery.
Is Mesothelioma Surgery an Option for Me?
Ask your doctor whether you are a candidate for surgery. This cancer can spread quickly, often reaching nearby organs that may not be removed. If the disease is localized to one area, then surgery may be successful in eliminating tumors and prolonging your life.
If surgery is not an option at the moment, ask your doctor if this can change in the future. Many patients become eligible for surgery after they complete a regimen of chemotherapy or immunotherapy that can stop the progression and shrink the disease.
Can You Explain the Details of Mesothelioma Surgery?
You should understand all the details of mesothelioma surgery: length of the operation, what parts of the body will be removed, and more.
There are two types of mesothelioma surgery for pleural mesothelioma: extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). EPP surgery removes the entire affected lung, while P/D surgery leaves both lungs intact.
Surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma is cytoreduction surgery with HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Visible tumors and diseased tissue are removed from the abdominal cavity, and a heated chemotherapy is circulated inside the abdomen before the surgery finishes.
Ask your doctor to review all of the details about your specific surgery. This will help you take an active role in deciding whether surgery is the right mesothelioma treatment option for you.
What Is the Recovery Time After Surgery?
Surgery for mesothelioma is an aggressive treatment approach. Removing mesothelioma tumors and diseased tissue is a long and complex process, requiring the patient to often have an extended hospital stay for recovery.
Immediately after surgery the patient will stay in the hospital for up to two weeks. Following discharge from the hospital, there is another 6-8 weeks of recovery needed. This takes place at home or in a rehabilitation facility. Discuss with your doctor about the expectations for your surgery and recovery.
There are many challenges that can occur before, during and after mesothelioma surgery. Your medical team will monitor you closely – managing any symptoms and side effects you may experience. Find out how your doctor plans to manage your pain and the other effects from your specific surgery.
What Are the Risks of Mesothelioma Surgery?
Surgery is invasive and carries the possibility of many challenges and risks for complications. Talk with your doctor about all the risks and benefits regarding your mesothelioma surgery. This discussion will better prepare you.
Risks of surgery include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, difficulty breathing, and pain. Every mesothelioma surgery should be evaluated and handled with an individualized approach. Review your specific risks with the doctor to help you and your doctor determine if surgery is the best choice.
What Are the Chances of Success for Surgery?
Mesothelioma specialists have the knowledge and experience necessary to fight this rare cancer. They are equipped to evaluate and select mesothelioma patients who would benefit from surgery. As stated above, surgery for mesothelioma is a long and arduous process. Choosing a mesothelioma surgeon with experience in determining surgical eligibility is crucial to a successful surgery.
Removing visible tumors and diseased tissue can be a standalone treatment or one that is paired with systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Many patients have enjoyed an improved mesothelioma prognosis thanks to surgery.
How Should I Prepare for Mesothelioma Surgery?
A decision to have mesothelioma surgery can be overwhelming and stressful. Your medical team will meet with you to discuss the risks, benefits and expected outcomes. It is important to ask your doctor questions and share all your concerns. The answers you get can help you set realistic expectations and properly prepare.
Prior to the day of surgery you may need to have blood tests and imaging scans. These tests will give your doctor a snapshot of your health status and a better idea of how surgery will go.
During the days, weeks or months before your mesothelioma surgery, your doctor may give you specific instructions on how to improve your strength and immune system. This may include nutritional supplements and breathing exercises to help prepare you for surgery and the recovery process.
Mesothelioma surgery can cause physical, mental and emotional strains. During your recovery process, you may need the help of your family, friends or a caregiver to assist you at home after surgery.
Your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health. Consider talking with a counselor or support group to discuss any anxieties or fears you may have about the surgery and recovery process. The better prepared you are, the better chances of a successful outcome.
How Much Experience Do You Have Performing This Mesothelioma Surgery?
Finding a mesothelioma specialist is a crucial step in your treatment journey. This is a rare and aggressive cancer – your surgeon should have specialized training and knowledge in treating mesothelioma.
Ask your doctor how many mesothelioma patients they have treated and surgeries they have performed. Discuss with your surgeon how they determine who is a surgical candidate. Surgery may not be the best choice right now, but a mesothelioma specialist will help you determine if another treatment option could help before surgery. Have an open conversation with your doctor to find out more about their experience and your treatment plan.
You can ask your primary physician or oncologist for a referral to a mesothelioma specialist. There are also ways to find a mesothelioma program at a cancer center. If you need help, contact me or another of our patient advocates – we can help you find a mesothelioma specialist for your specific needs. Email me at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com.
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