What is mesothelioma lung?
The lungs are covered by protective layers of the membrane known as mesothelioma, which is called the pleura. (Other internal organs such as stomach and heart as well known as mesothelioma peritoneum and pericardium, respectively) Its main functions include lubrication of the lungs so that these organs may slide freely and easily against adjacent structures inside. Therefore, the lungs can expand and contract without causing too much friction against the heart in the process.
Mesothelioma - even his name may strike fear into the hearts of individuals. In fact, all cancers have an adverse effect on physical and psychological health of healthy individuals for the simple reason that the cancer has treatments and therapies, but there is no total cure. And so when a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma lung cancer has been provided by doctors, it is understandable that anxiety, worry and anger are the first emotions to experience.
Lung mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is also called in medical circles, it affects the lining of the lungs. Although mesothelioma is itself a rare form of cancer, pleural mesothelioma is the most common of all cancers in this category. Another bad news is that the prognosis is poor for most of those affected, but early detection and subsequent aggressive therapies can improve the quality of life and prolong life expectancy.
What treatments are available?
Physicians have many options in the treatment of mesothelioma lung. First, the surgery is designed to remove the cancerous tumor, which may involve removing part of the lining of the chest as well as an entire lung, and in some cases, to the diaphragm. Second, radiation is the bombing of the cancer cells with high-energy rays.
Thirdly, it means that the administration of chemotherapy cancer drugs intravenously. Fourth, thoracentesis is only supportive treatment, primarily to relieve symptoms and control pain. In all these treatments, the patient may undergo pulmonary rehabilitation, psychosocial and nutritional assessment.
As mentioned earlier, the prognosis for mesothelioma is generally poor, but there are treatments available to improve life expectancy. The good news is that new treatments are being discovered there is always hope that mesothelioma can be treated in the near future. In addition, the key is early detection and cancer cells that have not yet taken into the lungs and therefore can be stopped in their tracks.
With the right knowledge, you can conquer the mesothelioma without sacrificing the dignity of one.
What are the symptoms?
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms develop slowly and appear with estimates ranging from 20 to 50 years. In addition, symptoms of mesothelioma lung cancer are similar to those of other lung disorders, including lung cancer, which requires advanced diagnostic tools described below.
It is important to seek a definitive diagnosis of the symptoms she experienced as soon as possible, especially if the individual has had direct or indirect exposure to asbestos. Successful treatment can be enjoyed in early detection.
When mesothelioma symptoms, the most common are:
• persistent dry cough and hoarse
• coughing up blood, known as hemoptysis in a medical
• Difficulty swallowing, as if an object is lodged in the throat
• Trouble breathing, even during periods of inactivity, as in bed
• respiratory distress
• Persistent chest pain
• Fever and night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
What are the causes?
For people living with asbestos workers in the same house, the exposure comes from asbestos dust cling to clothing, shoes and other personal work. Although other risk factors such as radiation and the simian virus 40 have been identified, their effects are minor compared to asbestos.
Like all types of mesothelioma cancer, mesothelioma lung is mainly caused by direct and indirect exposure to asbestos. For workers exposed to asbestos in the manufacture of industrial products like textiles, tires and cement, the risks are greater, especially with longer exposure time or larger amounts of exposure or both.
What are the tools for the diagnosis?
Processes include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and biopsies. Only after these laboratory tests have been completed the physician to provide a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma and then treatment can begin.
The diagnostic tools used for mesothelioma are varied as the symptoms of this cancer are similar to less-threatening diseases, including asbestosis, pneumonia and influenza. A review of medical history and physical examination are followed by a variety of imaging tests to look inside the lungs.