Surgical management of malignant mesothelioma

The surgical management of 18 patients diagnosed as having malignant mesothelioma is reviewed. Of these patients, 7 received limited treatment--pleurectomy or biopsy. The mean survival was 10 months, and no patient was disease-free at time of death. The other 11 patients were treated by radical extrapleural pneumonectomy. There were 2 long-term, disease-free survivors at 2 and 4 years. Mean survival for the entire group was 15 months, but most patients received good palliation following tumor removal. Surgical procedures for removal of malignant mesothelioma can be accomplished safely and without major morbidity. When possible, radical extrapleural pneumonectomy affords the best palliation and the only opportunity for cure.