It can be terrifying to be diagnosed with Mesothelioma. It can be more terrifying to understand that the physician is recommending a surgical procedure. Despite the fact that the physician took the time to explain the process, shock, discomfort, and fear typically prevents a patient from fully understanding what has been explained to them. Mesothelioma patients have a lot to worry about, just as all cancer victims do, and understanding upcoming or pending surgical procedures is an important step in claiming back health.



A thoracentesis is a procedure where the fluid between the lining of the lungs and the wall of the chest is removed. A thoracentesis is often recommended when the patient has excessive fluid in the pleura, and inflammation from that fluid known as pleural effusion, is causing aggrevation or serious discomfort.

While a thoracentesis is not considered by physicians to be a terribly difficult procedure, most patients feel any procedure at all is a big deal. It is not uncommon for patients to seek out a second opinion when a surgical procedure like a thoracentesis is recommended.

Of course, a thoracentesis isn't the only possible recommended surgical procedure that someone with Mesothelioma may encounter. Procedures such as pleurodesis, pneumonectomy, and pleurectomy may be suggested as well.

A pleurodesis is a procedure which the space between the lining of the lungs and the lungs (also known as the pleural space) are fused together to prevent the build up of fluid which can cause pleural effusion.

Many patients opt for a pleurodesis over a thoracentesis if they have the choice. Sometimes, although rarely, a thoracentesis and a pleurodesis are done simultaneously.

A pleurectomy is the removal of the pleura altogether, which is typically a procedure saved for cases without other options. Prior to a pleurectomy, a thoracentesis or a pleurodesis is attempted first to alleviate the discomfort and the difficulties with breathing. A pleurectomy, as well as a pneumonectomy, are considered last resort procedures.

A pneumonectomy is the removal of at least part of the lung, if not all of the lung. Pneumonectomies are done only when there is no other alternative. It is always better to try to perform procedures that will save the lung and the lining, such as thoracentesis or pleurodesis, than it is to perform procedures that remove part or all of the body's tissues, such as pleurectomy or pneumonectomy.

If a surgeon wishes to perform a pneumonectomy or a pleurectomy without first attempting a thoracentesis or a pleurodesis, a second opinion is highly recommended. Either the surgeon is jumping the gun and being a bit too aggressive, or perhaps the lungs are really that bad and a second surgeon concurs that the removal of the lungs or the lining is in the best interest of the patient. Only a second opinion will determine that. It is always best to go outside the practice to request a second opinion.

Despite the poor prognosis associated with Mesothelioma, patients who have undergone either thoracentesis, pleurodesis, pneumonectomy, or a pleurectomy have reported a much higher quality of life and an easier state of breathing after these procedures.

Having any procedure done can be scary and can present an entire set of questions that can only be answered through experience. However, the better the relationship with the physician, the better the patient feels about going through with any of the 4 basic procedures.

Even after a drastic procedure such as a pleurectomy or a pneumonectomy, patients still need all around high quality care, including the care of their emotional outlook on life. Any of these procedures may help, but there is a significant amount of after care that the patient will definitely need support through.

Any type of treatment that alters the body significantly is going to have a certain amount of pain, even if the results are better than they were before. Pain is part of undergoing surgery, and for many patients, pain is something they are already all too familiar with. Emotional support can make a difference in the life of a patient after a painful surgical procedure.

A pleurectomy and a pneumonectomy require life long aftercare in most cases. This does not necessarily mean that the patient will have no quality of life, but that aftercare of some sort will be required all the way throughout the remainder of their life. Patients requiring long term after care may need residential care in order to recover. Residential care does not need to be a permanent place of living.