Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma - Answers To Common Questions

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a form of cancer

, relatively rare in occurrence. It affects the lining which protects your internal organs. The outer lining of the lungs, called the pleura is the commonly affected area. The heart and its surrounding sac are also particularly vulnerable to this type of cancer.

What causes malignant pleural mesothelioma? Those most at risk are people who have jobs that have led to them frequently inhaling, or be being exposed to, asbestos fiber / dust. People with family members who work in asbestos-related industries often get it by washing their clothes. Though uncommon, it has also been known for people who have never had any contact with asbestos to develop this type of cancer. So, do not assume that you are 100% safe just because you have never been exposed to asbestos.

What are the symptoms of malignant pleural mesothelioma? The most common symptoms are chest pains, coughing and shortness of breath. These occur because of all the fluid that accumulates in the pleural space of the lungs. There also may be fatigue, anemia, wheezing, hoarseness, or blood in the sputum or coughed-out fluid. If left unattended, tumors can form which can lead to lungs collapsing. Signs and symptoms usually appear twenty to fifty years after exposure to asbestos.

How is it diagnosed? A chest x-ray or CT scan may point to the possibility of having malignant pleural mesothelioma. A biopsy or microscopic exam are normally used as a follow up to confirm that the condition is present.

What treatment options are available? You can opt for surgery, which operates by removing the cancerous part, chemotherapy, which employs the use of drugs to combat the cancer, and radiation therapy, which uses rays with high energy to target and kill the cancerous cells. There are two types of surgery - pleurectomy or extrapleural pneumonectomy. The first of those is typically used if the disease is still in its early stages. It aims to remove all the tumors in their entirety. Usually, the best solution is to combine the surgery with other procedures such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, or photodynamic therapy.

Not everyone is a good candidate for extrapleural pneumonectomy. Your doctor may advise you against taking this course of action. You will have to consult your doctor for advice if you fit the patient selection criteria. It is particularly risky for people who have any problems with their liver or kidneys.

If you are unfortunate enough to have developed malignant pleural mesothelioma, then you need to take action as soon as possible. The quicker action is taken, the better the chance of overcoming the disease.

by: Mark Walters

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