Mesothelioma Doctors: Surgeons
Most types of diagnostic and treatment options for malignant mesothelioma include some type of surgical procedure to either investigate or treat any potential tumors. Because of that, thoracic surgeons are among the most important players in a multidisciplinary team that treat a patient.
Thoracic surgeons are physicians who specialize in the treatment of a number of ailments that manifest themselves in the chest cavity, such as
lung cancer, chest wall tumors, and emphysema as well as handling lung transplants.
An example of a procedure that surgeons often utilize to treat mesothelioma if the situation calls for it is a pneumonectomy, or the removal of the part of the lung that is infected with malignant mesothelioma. After putting the mesothelioma patient under using general anesthesia, the surgeon cuts a large opening from the shoulder blade to the ribs in the front of the chest - called a posterolateral thoracotomy incision - into the same side of the chest as the diseased lung before removing the infected section. In some cases, part of the fifth rib is removed in order to have better access to the diseased portion.
The lung is then deflated, while the blood vessels are tied off in order to prevent any bleeding into the chest cavity and the bronchus will be stitched up in order to make sure no air escapes. A temporary drainage tube will also be inserted in order to draw air, fluid, and blood out of the pleural space before the chest is clamped shut.
In addition to processes that are carried out by thoracic surgeons that are meant to directly deal with mesothelioma cancer, general surgeons are also often utilized to perform more common procedures that are part of a cancer treatment plan.
While receiving treatment for malignant mesothelioma, patients who are interested in pursuing legal action against a former employer that may have caused their
asbestos exposure may want to contact a
mesothelioma attorney in order to learn their rights and see what the possibilities are regarding a settlement.