Thoracotomy Surgery to Treat Mesothelioma
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, there are procedures used in treatment plans to provide support. A thoracotomy is one example. During a thoracotomy, a portion of or the entire lung is removed, depending upon the extent of your mesothelioma cancer.
There are three types of thoracotomy:
- A segmentectomy (also known as a wedge resection) which removes a wedge section where the cancer is located
- A lobectomy which removes an entire lobe of your lung.
- A pneumonectomy which removes an entire lung.
Each of these surgeries is considered a major procedure. Therefore, you should discuss in detail the preparations you need to make prior to having a thoracotomy. Some discussion points you may want to consider:
- Stop taking aspirin or ibuprofen before the surgery
- Notify your doctor of all medications you currently take, and make sure to discuss which medications, if any, you can take on the day of surgery
- Exactly what mesothelioma symptoms you presently have, and what to do if they get worse before surgery
When you arrive at the hospital, there are several procedures that will most likely take place, including:
- Taking and monitoring your vital signs
- Blood tests
- Chest x-rays
- Heart monitoring
- Pulse Oximeter
- Swan-Ganz (passing a thin tube into a vein near the collarbone and then into the heart and lungs to provide monitoring and give medicine)
After surgery, in addition to the typical procedures given after major surgery, you will be given breathing treatments and exercises. These will ensure that your lungs are functioning correctly and continue to get stronger, both while hospitalized and after you return home.
Make sure to document and follow all your post-operative care procedures to ensure the safest and quickest recovery. Also, consider asking for assistance if you live alone to allow for several days of help after surgery. As with any major surgery, you will need some help to get back on your feet.
University of Minnesota launches Study on Mesothelioma Cases in Iron Ore Workers
Researchers and physicians from the University of Minnesota are searching for former and current taconite industry workers for a major medical study. Many “Iron Rangers” have rare and fatal lunch diseases such as mesothelioma. The University of Minnesota’s study will try to ascertain whether exposure to dust from the taconite industry is causing the disease.
The University intends to select 1,200 current and former taconite workers, as well as 800 spouses, to undergo exams including health questionnaires, breathing tests, X-rays, and blood work. The survey participants will range in age, have worked at different companies, and have lived in various Iron Range locations.
The Iron Range consists of the northeastern section of Minnesota that contains distinct bands of iron ore. About 98% of iron ore is used to make steel. Taconite is a low-grade iron ore that contains up to 30% of Magnetite and Hematite, and has also been used as an aggregate in asphalt.
Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Radiation Treatments
Mesothelioma treatments are performed in various means, including radiation. Radiation treatment is often performed using a linear accelerator (LINAC) machine, commonly used for external beam therapy. This therapy aims highly focused beams of radiation at the edges of the site where cancer is found, destroying any abnormal cells and preventing growth or regrowth of the tumor while sparing the normal tissue. LINAC can also be used in sterotactic radio surgery similar to using a gamma knife on the targets within the brain.
The LINAC uses a microwave technology, similar to that used for radar, to accelerate electrons and then allowing the electrons to collide with a heavy metal target. High energy x-rays are scattered from the target, a portion of which is collected and shaped to form a beam that matches the patient’s tumor. The patient lies on a moveable treatment couch and lasers are used to ensure the patient is in the proper position. Radiation can be delivered to the tumor from any angle by rotating the device and the treatment couch.
A trained radiation oncologist will prescribe the treatment, while a radiation physicist and dosimetrist determine the best way to deliver the dosage and calculate the time required to deliver the dose. A radiation therapist will operate the LINAC.
LINAC is used in a large percentage of radiation therapy in the United States, as well as various treatment centers in Canada, New Zealand, and Great Britain. Using LINAC allows treatment facilities to deliver more treatment to a greater number of patients, thereby reducing wait times for radiation patients.
NOTE: The content contained herein was not prepared by medical professionals and should not be construed as medical advice. Please address all medical questions, concerns and symptoms with your doctor.
Location Announced for 2009 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation will hold its 2009 International Symposium on malignant mesothelioma at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC from June 25 to 27, 2009. The symposium is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about mesothelioma, including patients, caregivers, volunteers, advocates, and medical and scientific experts.
Each of the three days is dedicated to a specific topic as follows:
- Day One – Advocacy. Meetings will be scheduled with the offices of your House Representatives and Senators. Those attending are encouraged to discuss funding for more research for mesothelioma, as well as federal support to ban asbestos
- Day Two – Renewing the Spirit. This day is focused on support for those impacted by mesothelioma and will include a ceremony to remember lost loved ones. The day ends with discussions about mesothelioma, including nutrition, genetics, pain management, and medical care.
- Day Three – Treatment. Clinicians and researchers will present the latest strategies regarding mesothelioma treatment.
For more information on the Symposium, or to register for the event, please go to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation web site.
New Mesothelioma Treatment Shows Early Success
A new outpatient treatment for mesothelioma victims showed signs of success in a woman who was exposed to asbestos in her childhood. She was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2008 and did not respond to the conventional chemotherapy treatment. This prompted her to visit NeoPlas Innovation in Nashville, Tennessee.
After two months of treatment under this new protocol, CT scans showed the cancer was stabilizing, larger tumors were shrinking, and her overall condition improved. While these results are early and conclusions cannot yet be drawn, they are similar to the protocol’s success against other aggressive cancers.
The protocol is offered for those patients who qualify and have colon cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, or certain sarcomas.
This treatment is a combination of two existing medications: lovastatin and interferon. While lovastatin is typically used to lower cholesterol, prior tests proved that it had a significant effect against mesothelioma cells in laboratory cultures.
For more information, visit the NeoPlas web site or read the press release
