Pleural mesothelioma is a rare malignant tumor that originates in the superficial cells of the lining of the pleural cavity. Sometimes it also develops in the pericardium and peritoneum. Pleural mesothelioma affects people over the age of 60 more often, and men get sick 3-5 times more often than women.
One of the main causes ofpleural mesotheliomais exposure to asbestos. This cancer most often affects employees of asbestos processing plants, shipyard workers, railwaymen, car mechanics and employees of the construction and heating industry. In most cases, mesothelioma develops several years after the body is exposed to the disease.Tumorhas an aggressive course, local infiltration dominates (chest wall,lung , mediastinum).
Mesothelioma: types
There are two types of this cancer:
- The restricted form, which most often develops only within one pleural sac. This form does not metastasize and grows relatively slowly. Surgical removal of the tumor guarantees healing
- A vast, extremely malicious character. Such a tumor grows rapidly, even overgrowing the entire pleural cavity. Most of the neoplastic tissue accumulates above the diaphragm and within the interlobular furrows. The growing tumor compresses the lung and limits its mobility. Metastases appear very quickly and attack lymph and blood vessels
Pleural mesothelioma: symptoms
The most common clinical symptom is chest pain. It may be accompanied by a severe cough and shortness of breath caused by a pleural effusion. Sometimes the patient experiences a rapid weight loss and hemoptysis. In more advanced stages, distortion and immobilization of the chest on the tumor side are observed.
Pleural puncture detects mesothelioma
The basis for the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is a pleural puncture and the identification of neoplastic cells in the fluid contained therein. Histopathological examination of the tumor specimen also helps in the diagnosis. The recommended method of taking a sample is videothoracoscopy, which additionally allows to assess the local extent of the neoplasm. In some casesan open surgical biopsy must be performed.
Mesothelioma: treatment
Curing malignant pleural mesothelioma (extensive type) is practically impossible, a certain chance is provided by complete surgery, i.e. removal of the entire pleura (pleurectomy) or removal of the pleura and lung (pleuropneumonectomy). The treatment also includes radiotherapy as an additional treatment or in the case of people who are not eligible for surgery. In the case of advanced cancer, chemotherapy is used.
ImportantTreatment of pleural mesothelioma with experimental therapy
In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the so-called dynamic phototherapy. It consists in introducing photosensitizers into the body - drugs which, when exposed to light of a certain wavelength, release toxic compounds that destroy cells.