One of the country’s top mesothelioma surgeons, Dr. David Sugarbaker, Director of the Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, has just published a study he says confirms the role of lymph node involvement in survival after radical mesothelioma surgery.
Dr. Sugarbaker is one of the most experienced practioners of a radical surgical approach to malignant pleural mesothelioma called extrapleural pneumonectomy which aims to prevent the spread or return of mesothelioma, by not only removing the tumor and the pleural lining where it is, but also the nearest lung, all or part of the diaphragm, the lining around the heart, and other at-risk tissues.
Although some consider the procedure dangerous, in a new study, Dr. Sugarbaker proves that survival after EPP has a lot to do with how far into the lymph system mesothelioma has spread.
In the study, 5% of the mesothelioma patients who had EPP died either in the hospital or within 30 days of surgery. But 4% of patients who had the procedure lived for 10 years or more. Sixty-seven percent lived for at least a year after surgery and 14% were still alive at 5 years. The difference appeared to be influenced, in part, by whether or not the cancer had spread to patients’ lymph nodes.
The study confirms that lymph node status is significantly correlated with overall survival in patients.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, and have developed an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately. Or contact us online for a free consultation.
