Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is a two-part surgery that treats pleural mesothelioma. Surgeons remove the pleura and any portions of the lung with cancerous tissue. P/D is sometimes called a lung-sparing surgery because it removes as much diseased tissue as possible without removing the entire lung. What Is Pleurectomy/Decortication? Pleurectomy/decortication is a complex, two-part surgery that removes
Diffuse pleural thickening is a disease that causes the pleura, layers of tissue around the lungs, to thicken. Pleural thickening may be a symptom of mesothelioma and related conditions, or it may be benign. It causes difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pains. About Pleural Thickening Also known as pleural parenchymal scarring, pleural thickening
Some pleural mesothelioma patients need a prosthetic diaphragm after undergoing surgery. A surgeon might also use prosthetics to reconstruct part of the chest wall or the pericardium. In the future, prosthetic lungs may be available to patients with pleural mesothelioma. What Is a Mesothelioma Prosthetic? A prosthetic is any type of synthetic or biosynthetic body
Asbestos is made up of small fibers, which can come loose and get into the air. It is possible to work around asbestos and be safe with the right precautions, safety equipment, and training, but no one told me about it. Always be aware of the materials and safety procedures being used on a job
Asbestos exposure in oil refinery workers is an ongoing problem. Oil refineries convert petroleum into refined products, a process that requires a lot of heat and insulation, which in the past was high in asbestos. Some refineries still contain asbestos today, putting workers at risk of developing serious illnesses like mesothelioma. About U.S. Oil Refineries
Complications of mesothelioma vary by individual and range from uncomfortable pleural effusions to emotional distress and mental health challenges. Complete care for mesothelioma patients must consider all possible complications. Treatments should address cancer itself as well as these secondary conditions and symptoms. How Does Mesothelioma Cause Complications? Mesothelioma, like all cancers, affects the body in
Mesothelioma in children and young adults is extremely rare. Mesothelioma usually takes decades after asbestos exposure to develop. Young people may experience secondhand exposure from a parent working around asbestos. The symptoms, treatments, and poor prognosis are generally the same for children as adults. At What Age Do Most People Get Mesothelioma? Most people receive
A landmark decision on the rights of mesothelioma victims to sue has been handed down by the California state Supreme Court. The issue was whether companies could be held responsible for sicknesses precipitated by a family member carrying asbestos home on their clothing, hair, or skin. The court unanimously decided against the companies and in
Mesothelioma home medical equipment can make mesothelioma patients more comfortable and mobile and allow them to live at home longer. Mesothelioma home medical equipment can be purchased from various suppliers and may be covered by private health insurance and Medicare. What Is Home Medical Equipment? Home medical equipment is any medical device used in the
Mesothelioma end-of-life decisions include making a will and financial arrangements, medical care, DNRs (do not resuscitate orders), and more. These difficult decisions require a team of medical specialists, legal and financial experts, and family for information and support. What Happens at the End of Life with Mesothelioma? For most patients with the diagnosis, mesothelioma is