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Step 1
Expect mesothelioma to be treated with surgery in virtually every case because chemotherapy and radiation alone generally have proven ineffective. However, chemotherapy and radiation are commonly used as adjunctive therapy after surgery.
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Step 2
Find out which procedure will be performed. Mesothelioma has 2 primary surgical treatments. A pleurectomy is a more limited procedure and requires dissection of the parietal pleura and removal of the outer layer of the visceral pleura. This procedure is difficult because the tumor occupies the entire pleura. The mortality rate of the operation is 2 percent.
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Step 3
Anticipate an extrapleural pneumonectomy if the mesothelioma is widespread. The diaphragm, lung, pericardium and pleura are resected and then reconstructed. The mortality rate of this procedure is less than 4 percent.
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Step 4
Make regular follow-up visits with internists, pulmonary specialists and oncologists. Mesothelioma has a 50 percent recurrence rate even after successful surgery.
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Step 5
Begin physical activity as soon as possible after surgery. Pulmonary physical therapy is usually needed because of the large amount of lung tissue typically removed.
