Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer which can affect the lungs, stomach, heart and testicles. Because it can take anywhere between 20 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to present themselves, often the disease in an advanced stage when diagnosed. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but there are treatment options according to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance:
Surgery for mesothelioma can involve the removal of the tumor and the surrounding tissue, but often this is not a viable option for patients. An extrapleural pneumonectomy is an extensive operation which requires the removal of the pleura, pericardium, diaphragm, and the entire lung on the side of the tumor.
Other surgeries include the removal of fluid from the chest or heart (thoracentesis) and is a palliative surgery to provide temporary relief.
