Content
Mesothelioma is a type of aggressive cancer, which is located in the mesothelium, which is a thin tissue that covers the internal organs of the body.
There are several types of mesothelioma, which are related to their location, the most common being the pleural, located in the pleura of the lungs, and the peritoneal, located in the organs of the abdominal region, the symptoms depending on its location.
Generally, mesothelioma develops very quickly and the diagnosis is made at an advanced stage of the disease, and treatment is more effective when the diagnosis is earlier, and consists of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and / or surgery.
What symptoms
The symptoms depend on the type of mesothelioma, which is related to its location:
Pleural mesothelioma | Peritoneal mesothelioma |
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Chest pain | Abdominal pain |
Pain when coughing | Nausea and vomiting |
Small lumps on the breast skin | Abdominal swelling |
Weight loss | Weight loss |
Difficulty breathing | |
Back pain | |
Excessive tiredness | |
There are other forms of mesothelioma that are very rare and that, depending on your location, can give rise to other symptoms, such as pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the heart tissue and which can give rise to symptoms, such as decreased pressure blood pressure, heart palpitations and chest pain.
Possible causes
As with other types of cancer, mesothelioma can be caused by mutations in cellular DNA, causing cells to start multiplying in an uncontrolled manner, giving rise to a tumor.
In addition, there is an increased risk of suffering from mesothelioma in people suffering from asbestosis, which is a disease of the respiratory system caused by inhaling dust containing asbestos, which usually occurs in people who work for many years exposed to this substance. Here's how to identify asbestosis symptoms.
What is the diagnosis
The diagnosis consists of a physical examination that is done by the doctor, and the performance of imaging tests, such as computed tomography and X-ray.
After that, and based on the results obtained in the first exams, the doctor can request a biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is collected to be analyzed later in the laboratory, and an exam called PET scan, which allows to verify the tumor development and metastasis. Find out how the PET scan is done.
How the treatment is done
Treatment will depend on the location of the mesothelioma, as well as the stage of the cancer and the patient's state of health. Generally, this type of cancer is difficult to treat because, when it is diagnosed, it is already at an advanced stage.
In some cases, it is recommended to perform surgery that can cure the disease, if it has not yet spread to other parts of the body. Otherwise, it will only relieve the symptoms.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can be performed before surgery, to facilitate the removal of the tumor, and / or after surgery, to prevent a recurrence.