A thoracotomy is a surgical incision between the ribs that gives a surgeon access to the organs in the chest cavity. For patients with mesothelioma, a thoracotomy may be used to perform one of several surgeries: extrapleural pneumonectomy, a pneumonectomy, a pleurectomy/decortication, or a pericardiectomy. About Thoracotomy A thoracotomy incision is a procedure surgeons use
A pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure sometimes used to treat pleural mesothelioma and that removes an entire lung from the chest cavity. Although this procedure can cause serious complications, a pneumonectomy may provide some patients with the best chance of survival. What Is a Pneumonectomy Surgery? A pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure that removes an
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is a surgery for pleural mesothelioma that removes an entire lung, pleural tissue, lymph nodes, and part of the diaphragm. Only patients in generally good health and whose cancer has not spread extensively are considered good candidates for this risky but potentially curative procedure. What Is Extrapleural Pneumonectomy? Extrapleural pneumonectomy, or EPP, is
Pleural effusion is a build-up of fluid between the two layers of the pleura, the thin tissue surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. Pleural effusion is a common symptom and complication of pleural mesothelioma and is uncomfortable or even painful. Treatment involves draining the fluid, but more permanent procedures may be required if it continues
Pleural plaques are areas of thickened tissue in the pleura around the lungs. They are the most common sign of asbestos damage to the chest cavity but may not develop for decades after the exposure. Plaques do not typically cause symptoms and don’t necessarily cause malignant pleural mesothelioma. About Pleural Plaques One of the potential consequences
Conditions related to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma include pleural plaques, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, COPD, interstitial lung disease, and other types of cancer. If you were exposed to asbestos, symptoms of these conditions might not occur until decades later. What Does Asbestos Do to the Body? Asbestos is a natural mineral long prized for its
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and mesothelioma can both be caused by asbestos exposure. COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that causes airflow obstruction and difficulty breathing. While COPD is most often caused by smoking, other airborne pollutants, like asbestos, can trigger or increase the risk of developing this condition. What Is COPD? Chronic obstructive
Shipyard workers, including members of the U.S. Navy, have long faced high risks of asbestos exposure and resulting mesothelioma. Shipbuilding once used asbestos for its light weight, strength, and fire resistance from the boiler room to cabin ceiling tiles. This put millions of workers, crew, and veterans at risk of developing asbestos illnesses. How Was
Industrial workers produce a variety of materials and products in factory settings using specialized skills. Industrial workers in the past were at a high risk of exposure to asbestos in machinery, which led to many cases of mesothelioma. Even with occupational health and safety rules, some modern workers may still be exposed. Are Industrial and
For decades, boiler workers (boilermakers) risked exposure to asbestos on the job. Many developed related illnesses, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, decades later. The risks are much lower now, but boiler workers are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma and other illnesses in their retirement. About Boilers and Asbestos Boilers produce a lot of heat, and that