Mesothelioma information you need to know the basic facts (part 1)
Mesothelioma (also known as "diffuse"or 'malignant'mesothelioma) is a type of cancer that usually affects the thin membrane lining the chest (Pleural Mesothelioma). Less Often it can affect the lining of the abdominal (Peritoneal Mesothelioma). It can also affect the heart wall () Pericardial Mesothelioma and very rarely cover the testicles () Testicular Mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma
Pleura has two layers –one internal (visceral) layer that lines the lungs and the outer (parietal) layer,which lines the chest wall. Pleura produces pleural space for lubrication between two layers of coating on a slide easily without rubbing on each other that we inhale and exhale when breathing.
Pleural Mesothelioma Causes pleura to thicken. This will lead to compression of lung cancer or attachment to the chest wall. Fluid,sometimes several liters may be collected In between the layers and cause shortness of breath. This is called a pleural effusion.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneum also has two layers,inner (visceral) layer,which is adjacent to the abdominal organs and external (wall) layer that lines the abdominal wall. This cancer will boil down to the peritoneum and fluid accumulates in the abdomen,this fluid collection is called ascites and causes swelling in the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common as pleural mesothelioma.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Exposure to asbestos is the major cause of this type of cancer. However,this may be a foreigner Other less common causes. It was once rare,but today it is increasingly common because of the high use of asbestos in the postwar years. For most people with Mesothelioma Exposure happened 20-40 years before the onset of symptoms (which may in some cases,be more or less interval than it is.). Sometimes it may be exposure to asbestos,were very short and not always easy to determine. But most often,the cancer usually occurs in people who have repeated exposure to asbestos,usually in the work environment. There are several types of asbestos,which were all known to Cause Mesothelioma.
How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is difficult because symptoms appear until the disease is well advanced,and in most cases,the first clear sign of trouble is sudden breathing due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity –pleural effusion. There may also have other symptoms such as chest pain,the weight loss,hemoptysis (coughing up blood in the sputum),and anemia. Scans and X-rays can provide solid evidence to support the diagnosis,especially connected with the history of exposure to asbestos. However,these symptoms are also common with other less severe disease than other diseases that some of the correct diagnosis often requires further investigation perform.
These tests include examination of fluid collected for laboratory examination,perhaps the needle biopsy or surgery on endoscopic biopsy (small tissue sample) is likely to be carried out to help confirm the diagnosis. These tests and results may take several weeks until the end.
What are the treatment options available?
Mesothelioma does not respond well to cancer treatment is usually recommended such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Many studies have been carried out to improve the treatment,but nothing was found to cure this disease. Type of treatment offered depends on several factors. These measures should include patient choice,patient's overall status and stage,as the cancer (cancer of progress).
Initial treatment is useful that heals symptoms.
Withdrawal of fluid through the lungs may help relieve shortness of breath. Firstly,the liquid can be drained either removing or inserting a fluid drainage tube is small. However,fluid accumulates and often re doctor or surgeon Chest can carry out procedure called pleurodesis. It is an attempt to keep the surface of the lungs to the chest wall by inserting a sterile talc in the pleural cavity. This can be done by a surgeon using the "keyhole surgery",otherwise known as VATS –video thoracoscopy surgery.
Surgery
There are minor forms of surgery where the surgeon can perform during the procedure to remove some tanks tumor mass. Surgery can also improve some symptoms of the disease.
Very big operation called extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is suitable only for highly selected group of patients with early stage disease who are physically and mentally able to tolerate such extensive surgery. This operation involves removing the entire affected lung lining,the lining of the heart and
diaphragm. This operation can perform a limited number of thoracic surgeons in the country.
Chemotherapy
The drugs used to attempt to destroy or control cancer cells. Unlike some other cancers,there is no evidence that chemotherapy sometimes mesothelioma. Some tests and studies have shown,however,that it may help improve symptoms temporarily and may extend the duration life easy.
Not all patients with mesothelioma will receive chemotherapy and there is no way to know which patients will benefit and who No. It is important for you to discuss with doctors and nurses provide interested.
Radiotherapy
We use the high energy radiation to kill diseased cells in the body.
In mesothelioma may be used in two ways:
1) short-term treatment of chest wall,where a biopsy
Done. This is a preventive measure aimed at preventing
Mesothelioma growing layer of the skin.
2) Some patients with pain,may gain a benefit from radiation therapy help kill cancer cells remaining after surgery Major.