Index
- What is pleural mesothelioma?
- Prognosis
- Pleural mesothelioma symptoms
- Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma
- What are the causes of pleural mesothelioma?
- Can it be prevented?
- Treatments for pleural mesothelioma
- Which specialist to contact?
What is pleural mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare malignant tumor that affects the pleura, the serous membrane that individually covers each lung and the inner wall of the chest. The main cause is exposure to asbestos or asbestos (better known as Eternit), a mineral that was often used to insulate or cover the roofs of houses, in construction or other industries.
When this mineral is mined or disposed of it produces a fine dust that, if inhaled, causes serious health damage, such as pleural mesothelioma in some cases. Pleural mesothelioma can occur even after many years of exposure to asbestos.
Prognosis
The prognosis of pleural mesothelioma is usually not positive, as it occurs when the tumor cells have already spread to other organs and tissues.
Pleural mesothelioma is a
malignant tumor that affects the lungs.
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms
The symptoms that characterize pleural mesothelioma are:
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Persistent cough
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Hoarseness
- High fever
- Chest pain
Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma
The process of diagnosis of the pathology should begin with a detailed clinical history of the patient.
For a correct diagnosis it is necessary to perform the following tests:
- Chest X-ray
- Thoracic CT with contrast medium
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- PET SCAN
- Histological examination
What are the causes of pleural mesothelioma?
Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of pleural mesothelioma. Other risk factors that could favor its occurrence include:
- Radiation from radiation therapy
- Exposure to thorium dioxide
- Exposure to erionite, a mineral found in Turkey.
Can it be prevented?
To prevent pleural mesothelioma, it is necessary to avoid exposure to asbestos as much as possible.
Treatments for pleural mesothelioma
The treatment to be followed depends on the degree of the tumor and, in general, on the patient’s state of health. Currently, cases of pleural mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Which specialist to contact?
Pleural mesothelioma cases are treated with surgery, thoracic surgery, oncologic treatments and pulmonary treatments.