Title:Surgical Options for Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in the Current Era
Volume: 12
Issue: 4
Author(s): Mahmoud Loubani, Syed S. Qadri, Azar Hussain, Mubarak A. Chaudhry and Jack A. Kastelik
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Asbestos, cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, prognosis.
Abstract: Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an asbestos-linked cancer associated with a very poor
prognosis. Surgical interventions form an important aspect of the management of this aggressive form
of cancer. However, debate continues regarding the different treatment options available. Video assisted
thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of malignant pleural
mesothelioma as big samples can be taken from multiple areas of the chest under direct vision. It may
also be used as a palliative procedure to drain pleural effusion and perform pleurodesis. Other surgical
options include extrapleural pneumonectomy, radical pleurectomy or extended pleurectomy
decortication and pleurectomy and decortication. Frequently, these surgical procedures are performed in
conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In this review we will discuss the developments
and remaining controversies of surgery in the context of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
