Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen or chest. Malignant cells appear in the mesothelium, the sac that serves as a protective cover for many internal organs of the body. A mesothelium is made of two layers of cells – which directly covers the organ and another that surrounds it. The mesothelium is responsible for producing a liquid used to lubricate the organs, such as the heart and lungs, allowing them to travel safely consother body parts. Without a thorough examination and tests, can easily be confused with lung cancer.
According to the body part where it appears, mesothelium referred to in different ways. When referring to bodies located in the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum. The mesothelium, which provides protection for the heart is called pericardium. If covering the lungs and lining of the chest wall, pleura. In the uterus, called the tunic, serosa of the uterus and male reproductive organs, known as the tunica vaginalis.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer
The term means that mesothelioma cancer mesothelium. This is not the same as lung cancer. Compared to other forms of cancer is rare, with only an average of 2,000 cases diagnosed each year in the United States. This disease can affect men and women and can occur at any age.
The risk of developing > Mesothelioma is greater due to exposure to asbestos. In fact, at least 70% of mesothelioma cases have shown individuals with a history of exposure to this material. It can also affect people living with a person who has been exposed to asbestos. This does not limit the mesothelioma in this group of people, however. It is also known to occur in other patients, even if they had previous exposure.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Differentiation> Mesothelioma and lung cancer is difficult enough, especially if the disease is already at the stage malignant. However, there is evidence that the doctor can do, including physical examination, chest radiography, CBC and complete blood count, removal of tissue samples for biopsy, bronchoscopy and thoracotomy. A Pap smear can also be made when a small amount of fluid is taken from the lungs or abdomen and examined.
Some symptoms that warrant a visit tothe doctor include difficulty breathing, chest pain (usually located under the rib cage), lumps, swelling or pain in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
Today, there is no cure for mesothelioma was found. However, there are treatments to help control the disease. Some of these treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Surgery
The most common treatment for mesotheliomais surgery, which removes part of the party, and some surrounding tissue. This treatment is often used during the early stages of the disease. Helps to retard the progression of the disease and may help reduce symptoms. In cases where patients have made great progress, consider other treatment options.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy eliminates cancer cells by using beams of high energy radiation. Radiotherapy is effective in eliminatingMay cancerous cells that remain even after surgery. To ensure that the radiation beams to their target cells, X-rays and digital images are also used during the process. This ensures that kill only cancer cells and reduces the number of healthy cells are affected.
Radiotherapy is also used as a form of palliative care and help control the spread (metastasis) of cancer. It is also useful to relieve symptoms such as breathlessness andpain.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often administered intravenously or through the use of catheters, medicines against cancer to enter the bloodstream quickly. It is often recommended for patients who can not undergo surgery.
Chemotherapy has side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation. They may also appear bruised throat and even wound or mouth. The nature of symptoms in a patient depends on thechemotherapy, dose, and the reaction of the particular patient.
These treatments are intended to remove as many tumors as possible and provide relief of painful symptoms. It is also intended to help extend the life of the patient.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
More research and clinical trials are underway to help find better treatments are more effective against mesothelioma. No cure has been discoveredyet. From now on, early detection and treatment have shown better survival rates and better quality. Like lung cancer, mesothelioma can be arrested if caught early.
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