Mesothelioma is a cancer arising from the cells of the pleura, which may be malignant and benign. In terms of tumor processes is not so common, but it is wise to at least mention it - just for its association with asbestos. Before the tale of mesothelioma is appropriate, however, a little closer to the concept of "pleura".
The pleura or Latin pleura is the membrane that covers the surface of the lungs and lines the pleural cavity. Pleural cavity in the chest have two (one right and one left), and each located one lung.
Note: Mesothelioma cells outside the pleura rarely arises from the cells of the pericardium (heart container) and cells of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). To mention just for the record.
Causes : Benign mesothelioma variant does not seem to cause known, in malignant variant is a clear link with asbestos. Inhaled asbestos fibers not only damages the lungs and give rise to a disease called asbestosis , but it can cause cancer process in cells of the pleura. Mesothelioma occurs. It should be noted that the process of developing mesothelioma is very long. Mesothelioma may arise after several decades after long-term contact with asbestos.
Speeches : How mesothelioma grows, they begin to develop clinical manifestations of the disease. One may be short of breath and tired, will have a dry, irritating cough . These symptoms are quite similar to atypical pneumonia . In addition, there may be chest pain , which is called pleural character. It's a pain that is not constant and changes in breathing. worsens when you inhale and the exhale disappears. Tumor cells may also secrete into the pleural cavity fluid. This " water in the lungs "in the pleural cavity begins to accumulate and the corresponding lung oppress. Shortness of breath will result from this condition. Advanced forms of the disease will manifest typical symptoms of advanced cancer cases in general - weight loss , night sweats and loss of appetite .
Diagnosis : The doctor listens to the patient and examined. Symptoms have been kept above are relatively nonspecific and occur at a number of much more common lung diseases (such as in some cases of pneumonia , as I stated above). The doctor mesothelioma initially think not much. Certain evidence may be possible in the patient's contact with asbestos in the past.
For further testing is of particular importance chest X-ray and CT examination . If there is fluid - in this case the tumor origin - in the pleural cavity can be sucked through the chest wall using a special syringe. This will avoid oppression not only the lungs but also can be obtained fluid to send to the cytological examination, where it can be found flaked tumor cells.
Alternatively you can use thoracoscopic surgery when the doctor using a special optical instrument looks into the pleural cavity. It is naturally necessary to make a smaller incision in the chest wall.
There are other tests, but the above I would consider basic.
Prevention : Prevention should be zero contact with asbestos. Given that the asbestos is used in industry and have been relatively recently used in the construction of buildings as the combustible material, but it is not quite possible. Asbestos in everyday life perhaps often meet and even that we do not know. The risk of this dangerous cancer is fortunately still very small.
Treatment : Treatment is the responsibility of oncologists and surgeons. As usual, you can perform surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Using various methods of treatment depends on the decision oncologist governed by the state of health of the individual patient and the course of the tumor.
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