Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma, but is a rare form of cancer, a protective layer that develops a lot of organs, the mesothelium covers. This is mostly caused by asbestos. [1]

The most common site is the pleura (the outer layer of the lungs and internal chest wall), but can also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart), [2], or tunica vaginalis (the sac surrounding the testicles).

Most people who develop mesothelioma on jobs where they inhaled asbestos work, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in other ways. It was also suggested that washing the clothes of family members who work with asbestos can bring someone in danger for the development of mesothelioma [3] Unlike lung cancer, no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking increases the risk. Other asbestos-related cancer [4]. Those who were exposed to asbestos have collected damages for asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in the legal practice of mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).

The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis can be suspected with chest radiographs and a CT scan, and confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. This allows the introduction of substances such as talc to the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which accumulate more fluid and then wipe prevents the lungs. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carry a poor prognosis. Research about screening tests for early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.

Baca Juga Artikel Yang Lainnya :