Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects thousands of people in the United States every year. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for mesothelioma. The good news, however, is that there are several mesothelioma treatment options. One of the treatment options for mesothelioma is surgery. Mesothelioma surgery can be done to relieve pain and other symptoms (palliative surgery) or to try to cure the cancer (potentially curative surgery). The first option is for people whose tumor has already spread beyond where it began, and it would be difficult to remove it completely. In contrast, the second option is for people who are in otherwise good health and whose cancer can be removed completely. A common concern that mesothelioma patients and their families usually have about surgery is the recovery process. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, you may be wondering how long it takes to recover after mesothelioma surgery.
So, how long does it take to recover after mesothelioma surgery? Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. The time it takes to recover after mesothelioma surgery may vary from person to person. This means that just because someone you know took a few weeks to recover after mesothelioma surgery does not mean you or your loved one will also take a few weeks to recover. Several factors can impact the timeline of recovery after mesothelioma surgery, including the type of surgery conducted, the disease’s stage, the patient’s overall health, and arising complications.
What are the Mesothelioma Surgery Options?
First, it is vital to mention that not every mesothelioma patient is a candidate for surgery. Consult a qualified mesothelioma doctor to find out if you or your loved one is eligible for mesothelioma surgery.
The following are some of the types of surgery for mesothelioma;
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): This procedure aims to control tumor growth by extracting organ parts.
- Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): This procedure is suitable for individuals whose illness is in its early stages. P/D aims to alleviate symptoms and prolong life.
- Debulking: This surgery aims to remove as much of the mesothelioma as possible.
- Cytoreduction surgery (CRS) with HIPEC: This is an option for some peritoneal mesothelioma patients. CRS removes visible tumors, and HIPEC kills the remaining cancer cells.
Ways for Improving Recovery After Mesothelioma Surgery
Recovering after mesothelioma surgery can be a challenging journey. Thankfully, there are various ways to improve the recovery process and overall well-being. The following are some ways to promote a smoother and more successful recovery;
- Following the medical team’s instructions
- Attending follow-up appointments
- Eating and drinking properly
- Ensuring proper pain management
- Maintaining wound care
Some mistakes to avoid while recovering from mesothelioma surgery include;
- Not taking the prescribed medication
- Ignoring complications
- Overexerting oneself
- Skipping follow-up appointments
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.