When it comes to
mesothelioma, surgery could be a helpful option to prolong the life of the patient.
However, there are a number of patients who may undergo surgery because
they believe it will impact their quality of life. This is an interesting
take, but a new study from researchers led by a thoracic surgeon at Loyola
Medicine has shown that this isn’t the case. In fact, the study
shows the exact opposite, claiming that those patients who underwent pleurectomy
and decortication operation often reported an improvement in the quality of life.
The
study was presented by Wickii Vigneswaran, MD. —division director of thoracic
surgery, and a professor in the thoracic and cardiovascular surgery department
at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine — at the
2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting.
Mesothelioma is a dangerous lung cancer that restricts the lungs of the
patient and causes shortness of breath as the tumor grows. By using pleurectomy
and decortication surgery, the pleura — the tissue around the lungs
— is removed and it can help ease the tension on the lungs and lessen
the pain. It cannot cure the mesothelioma; rather, just aims to make the
time spent with mesothelioma easier and more comfortable for the patient.
The survey analyzed 114 mesothelioma patients between the ages of 50 to
88, all whom underwent the PD surgery. All patients were evaluated on
a performance status score with 31% of the patients scoring 0 (fully functional),
65% scoring a 1 (light work), and 4% scored a 2 (unable to work, but capable
of self-care). The survey measured functioning, general symptoms, individual
items, and overall health. All patients were surveyed again after 1 month,
4 to 5 months, 7 to 8 months, and 10 to 11 months following surgery.
The results of the study shows an improvement in the quality of life after
the first month post-surgery that was maintained throughout all follow-ups.
At Worthington & Caron, we can help you connect to some of the top
mesothelioma doctors who can provide you with various options to make
this time easier on you. We want to do all we can to help patients get
the care and service they need.
Call us today and learn how we can help you.