Mesothelioma Surgery Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

👋 Greetings and welcome to our article on mesothelioma surgery in Florida. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and it can take decades for symptoms to appear. Surgery is one of the treatment options available for mesothelioma patients, and Florida has some of the top mesothelioma surgeons in the United States. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at mesothelioma surgery in Florida, including the types of surgeries available, the top surgeons and hospitals, FAQs, and more.

What is Mesothelioma Surgery?

Mesothelioma surgery involves removing cancerous cells and tissues from a mesothelioma patient’s body. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible while preserving the patient’s quality of life. Mesothelioma surgery is typically part of a multimodal treatment plan that may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Each patient’s treatment plan is unique, and surgery may not be an option for everyone.

Types of Mesothelioma Surgery

There are three primary types of mesothelioma surgery:

Type of Surgery	Description
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)	EPP involves removing the affected lung, portions of the diaphragm and pericardium, and the lining of the chest wall. This surgery is typically reserved for patients with early-stage mesothelioma who are healthy enough to undergo major surgery.
Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)	P/D involves removing the affected lung’s lining, the pleura, as well as any visible tumors. Unlike EPP, P/D preserves the affected lung, which may improve the patient’s quality of life. This surgery is typically reserved for patients with early-stage mesothelioma.
Cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)	HIPEC is a surgical technique that involves removing visible tumors from the abdominal cavity and then bathing the area in a heated chemotherapy solution. This surgery is typically reserved for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare form of the disease that affects the lining of the abdomen.

Top Mesothelioma Surgeons and Hospitals in Florida

Florida is home to some of the top mesothelioma surgeons and hospitals in the United States. Below are a few of the top institutions:

1. Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located in Tampa, Florida. Moffitt has an entire department dedicated to mesothelioma and thoracic oncology. Dr. Jacques Fontaine is one of the top mesothelioma surgeons at Moffitt.

2. H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

Located in Tampa, Florida, the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that specializes in mesothelioma treatment. Dr. Lary Robinson is one of the top mesothelioma surgeons at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.

3. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located in Miami, Florida. Sylvester has an entire division dedicated to thoracic oncology, including mesothelioma. Dr. Dao M. Nguyen is a top mesothelioma surgeon at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mesothelioma Surgery in Florida

1. Is surgery an option for all mesothelioma patients?

No. Surgery may not be an option for all mesothelioma patients. The patient’s overall health, the stage of the cancer, and the location of the cancer are all factors that determine whether surgery is an option.

2. What are the risks of mesothelioma surgery?

All surgeries come with risks, and mesothelioma surgery is no exception. Some of the potential risks associated with mesothelioma surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and breathing problems.

3. How long is the recovery period after mesothelioma surgery?

The recovery period after mesothelioma surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health. Recovery from EPP or P/D surgery typically takes several weeks, while recovery from HIPEC may take several months.

4. Will I need additional treatment after mesothelioma surgery?

Yes. Mesothelioma surgery is typically part of a multimodal treatment plan that may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

5. How can I prepare for mesothelioma surgery?

Your healthcare team will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for mesothelioma surgery. In general, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements, fast for a period of time before the surgery, and make arrangements for transportation after the surgery.

6. How much does mesothelioma surgery cost?

The cost of mesothelioma surgery varies depending on several factors, including the type of surgery, the location of the hospital, and the patient’s insurance coverage. Mesothelioma surgery can be expensive, and patients should speak with their healthcare team and insurance provider to understand their financial obligations.

7. What should I expect during my hospital stay after mesothelioma surgery?

Your healthcare team will provide you with specific instructions on what to expect during your hospital stay after mesothelioma surgery. You may expect to stay in the hospital for several days, and your care team will monitor your pain and manage any complications that may arise.

Conclusion

🙏 Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive guide on mesothelioma surgery in Florida. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable information on the types of mesothelioma surgery available, the top surgeons and hospitals in Florida, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about mesothelioma surgery. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we encourage you to speak with a healthcare professional to understand your treatment options better. Remember, early detection and treatment can improve your chances of a positive outcome.

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to take action today. Contact a mesothelioma specialist to discuss your treatment options and understand your legal rights.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about your health.