Patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma face a grim prognosis and many tough choices. One of the decisions they have to make regards surgery, and whether to undergo an aggressive procedure called extrapleural pneumonectomy that removes an entire lung plus other affected tissue, or a less aggressive procedure called pleurectomy and decortication, or P/D, which leaves the lungs intact while removing the tumor, the pleural lining, and other tissue. A study out of Japan revealed that despite losing significant breathing capability and other physical function, patients expressed an improvement in mental health and quality of life after choosing the less invasive procedure.
Japanese Mesothelioma Researchers Conducted Quality of Life Survey
Mesothelioma researchers from the Hyogo College of Medicine conducted the quality of life survey, questioning 45 patients who had undergone pleurectomy and decortication between 2014 and 2018. Each patient submitted to lung function tests that revealed a diminished ability to breathe after the surgery, as well as reduced vigor and social function. Despite this, the patients indicated that they felt healthier mentally than they had prior to the surgery.
The results of the survey, which were conducted at multiple intervals before and after the surgeries, presented a surprise to the researchers. They had anticipated that quality of life would be significantly tied to the ability to breathe. But despite physical functionality decreasing from 78 to 65 after the P/D surgery and ability to perform physical tasks diminishing from 69 to 41, their pain decreased from 74 to 52 and their mental health scores increased from 58 to 70.
Improved Mental Outlook in Mesothelioma Less Linked to Pulmonary Function than Expected
In assessing the results of the study, lead author Toru Nakamichi concluded that the ability to breathe, though important, does not play as large a role in mesothelioma patients’ sense of wellbeing as the researchers had anticipated. “Despite the lack of recovery in lung function, quality of life in mental aspects tended to improve, suggesting that pulmonary function tests alone are limited in assessing quality of life.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can provide you with information about top-of-the-line medical treatment. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
