Mesothelioma Therapy Surgical Treatment Options 2

Question 1

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is most commonly used for mesothelioma in which context?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic biopsy and pleurodesis

Answer

VATS is primarily used for diagnostic biopsy and pleurodesis in mesothelioma rather than curative resection.

Question 2

What is pleurodesis used for in mesothelioma management?

Accepted Answer

Preventing recurrent pleural effusion

Answer

Pleurodesis is a palliative procedure used to prevent recurrent pleural effusion by causing the pleural layers to adhere together.

Question 3

Which structure is NOT typically removed during an Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)?

Accepted Answer

Contralateral lung

Answer

EPP involves removal of the ipsilateral lung, pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm—the contralateral lung is always spared.

Question 4

What is the main advantage of P/D over EPP?

Accepted Answer

Preservation of the lung and better quality of life

Answer

P/D preserves the lung, generally resulting in better postoperative quality of life and lower mortality risk compared to EPP.

Question 5

In the trimodality therapy approach for mesothelioma, what is the correct order of treatments?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy → Surgery → Radiation

Answer

The classic trimodality approach is chemotherapy (neoadjuvant) → EPP (surgery) → radiation therapy to the hemithorax.

Mesothelioma Therapy Practice Test