In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center, it has been shown that aggressive surgeries may help to improve the life expectancies of those suffering with mesothelioma cancer.
The aggressive surgery that was tested in this particular study is known as pleurectomy/decorication (P/D) surgery. It involves the complete removal of the pleura (lining of the lungs) along with any visible tumors. It is also involves the partial or complete removal of the diaphragm. The goal of this surgery is to eliminate future possibilities for tumors to arise by eliminating the lining of the lungs, which is where mesothelioma tumors generally form. After the surgery, prosthetics were used to help the patients’ breathing capacities.
There were 36 people in the study, and after they were tested at 4-5 months and again at 7-8 months, each patient showed improvement and an increased probability of an increased lifespan.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a harmful compound used in hundreds of commercial applications. Asbestos was found to be hazardous to humans’ health as early as the 1930s and employers were warned. However, many employers and companies ignored these warnings, allowing their employees to be exposed. Millions are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of this negligence. At The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP, our Baltimore attorney can get you compensation if you’ve suffered because of the negligence of another. Please contact us today to allow us to help with your case. Call us at (410) 625-9330.