In the human body the tissue lining the lungs, stomach, heart and other organs is called mesothelium hence comes the word mesothelioma is defined as a tumor that affects the serous membranes (pleura and peritoneum).
Mesothelioma (mesothelioma) is a rare cancerous tumor of the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) or the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) that is typically due to prolonged exposure to asbestos
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, but seriously, initially occurs in the lungs, but can begin in the abdomen or other organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles (asbestos, fire resistant material) used in construction as insulation, it can take up to 50 years between exposure to asbestos and the onset of Mesothelioma (Mesothelioma).
Asbestos was once commonly found in vinyl roofing, ceilings and insulation, cement and automotive brake materials.Although many asbestos workers smoked, experts do not believe that smoking itself is a cause of this disease.
The average age of mesothelioma are diagnosed 60 years and is seen more frequently in men, symptoms of mesothelioma do not have a specific nature and may delay diagnosis.
Among the classic symptoms of mesothelioma we can mention: dyspnea (difficulty breathing), chest pain, cough, weight loss, abdominal distension, abdominal pain and fatigue, in some cases, may not be intense enough to force the patient to seek help health. Some patients complain of pain in the shoulder blade or lower back. It is important to know that these symptoms are not unique mesothelioma and can also be symptoms of other diseases. Assessment from a qualified physician is always suggested.
Mesothelioma symptoms occur most often 2-3 months before a confirmed diagnosis. When mesothelioma progresses, the pleural effusion (fluid between the two pleural layers) occurs in 95% of patients and this is the symptom that ultimately leads patients to seek medical advice.
For a diagnosis of mesothelioma must perform a series of tests among which: Chest x-ray, CT scan of chest, pleural fluid cytology, biopsy Open lung and pleural biopsy.
Mesotheliomas are often difficult to diagnose under the microscope. It may also be difficult to distinguish between this disease and similar conditions and tumors. But once the diagnosis of mesothelioma, the prognosis depends on the stage of the tumor and the possibility of complete surgical treatment. However, the median survival is usually 4 to 18 months, although this varies from one study to another.
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat, usually, there is no cure, unless the disease is detected early and the tumor can be completely removed with surgery. However, most of the time at diagnosis, the disease is too advanced for surgery.
So to treat mesothelioma chemotherapy or radiotherapy which can reduce symptoms also can combine certain chemotherapeutic drugs (analgesia, oxygen) to help reduce symptoms is used, but will not cure cancer.
Without treatment, the average mesothelioma patient survives 9 months.
They are helpful support groups for patients with mesothelioma, to expand information, and to provide psychological support as members share common experiences and problems.
Mesothelioma as most diseases is presented in stages so it is important to know the stage at which the disease is to formulate a treatment plan.
Phase I of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma affects the right and left side or the pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not affected.
Phase II Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It could also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
Phase III mesothelioma
Mesothelioma invades the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
Phase IV mesothelioma
Mesothelioma has spread to lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends to the organs of the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this phase.
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