If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have questions about your treatment options, one of which may be an extrapleural pneumonectomy. This procedure treats mesothelioma located in the lining of the lungs, also known as the pleura. This surgery is often combined with radiation and chemotherapy to remove all visible cancer in your body. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we understand that you may feel overwhelmed when undergoing treatment, so we are here to answer your questions and handle the legal aspects of your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Our lead attorney, Joseph P. Williams, has years of experience and will meet with you personally in your home to review your case. This dedication, combined with our unmatched comprehensive services, allows you to focus on recovery while we manage your claim and fight for your rights. Our New York mesothelioma lawyers have never lost a mesothelioma case, and working with us gives you peace of mind that your claim is in the right hands.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a procedure that treats mesothelioma by removing both layers of the lung lining, the affected lung, the pericardium, and the diaphragm to eliminate as many cancer cells as possible. This is a multimodal treatment, meaning it is paired with other treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy, to maximize the effects of the surgery and address any remaining tumor cells.
With the removal of the mesothelioma-affected areas, many patients experience relief after an extrapleural pneumonectomy. The procedure can help alleviate breathing problems, potentially improving quality of life and daily function.
Surgical guidance in this area has shifted in recent years. The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for pleural mesothelioma favor pleurectomy with decortication, a less extensive procedure that preserves the lung, over extrapleural pneumonectomy for many patients. Research comparing the two approaches has found that pleurectomy with decortication generally carries lower surgical mortality and morbidity while offering comparable oncologic outcomes in appropriately selected patients, whereas extrapleural pneumonectomy removes more tissue but carries a higher risk of severe complications.
This does not mean extrapleural pneumonectomy is no longer used. In select cases involving early-stage disease or specific tumor characteristics, it may still be the recommended approach to achieve complete removal of visible cancer. Your medical team, not your attorney, is the right resource to determine which procedure fits your specific diagnosis, but understanding that this is an evolving area of surgical guidance can help you ask informed questions during your own treatment planning.
Getting a procedure like extrapleural pneumonectomy can be daunting, so we are here to help you understand what to expect and ease your worries. While every patient, hospital, and surgeon is different, the steps for this surgery typically include the following:
When determining your eligibility for an extrapleural pneumonectomy, your doctor may consider the type of mesothelioma you have, how your lungs are affected, and the stage of your condition. We can help you calculate the cost of your treatment and build a strong claim to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma and going through treatment can be overwhelming, and you deserve to focus on your health instead of stressing about the legal process. Our experienced team at The Williams Law Firm, P.C. allows you to do just that. We listen to your story and create a unique plan based on your needs, giving you the best chance of pursuing the compensation you deserve.
We fight for your rights using our comprehensive, personalized services. We take your claim seriously and handle every aspect with the utmost care and attention. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to take on your case and fight for you. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our contact form.
Yes, though current guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network now favor pleurectomy with decortication for many patients because it generally carries lower surgical risk with comparable outcomes. Extrapleural pneumonectomy may still be appropriate for select patients, depending on tumor stage and other individual factors your medical team evaluates.
Recovery varies by patient, but this is a major surgery involving removal of an entire lung along with surrounding tissue, so hospital stays and recovery periods are typically longer than with less extensive procedures. Your surgical team can give you a timeline based on your specific case.
Yes. Your right to pursue compensation for asbestos exposure does not depend on which treatment you and your doctor choose. What matters for your claim is establishing where and how you were exposed to asbestos, not which surgical option you pursued.
Costs vary widely based on the hospital, surgeon, and your insurance coverage, and can run into the tens of thousands of dollars or more once hospitalization and follow-up care are included. Part of building a mesothelioma claim involves documenting these costs so they can be factored into the compensation you pursue.
You do not need to wait until after surgery to speak with an attorney. Early legal guidance can help you understand your rights and start building your claim while your medical team focuses on your treatment plan.
As the founding partner of Williams Law Firm, Joseph P. Williams has dedicated over 30 years to representing mesothelioma victims and their families. His firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for those affected by asbestos exposure, offering personalized, aggressive legal advocacy. Based in New York, Williams Law Firm provides free consultations and handles cases nationwide.
