(Mesothelioma)
What is Mesothelioma and how can it be prevented?
A specific type of cancer known as mesothelioma manifests itself in the lining that protects some of the body's organs' external surfaces. Typically, exposure to asbestos is the cause.
Although it can affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart, or testicles, mesothelioma primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects more than 2,700 people in the UK every year. Men are more frequently affected than women, and the majority of cases are diagnosed in patients 75 years of age and older.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma cannot be cured, but treatment can help manage the symptoms.
Mesothelioma symptoms.
Mesothelioma signs and symptoms typically appear gradually over time. They usually don't show up until many years after asbestos exposure.
The following are signs of mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs:.
1. Pain in the chest.
2. Respiration difficulty.
3. Extreme tiredness or fatigue.
4. Fever and excessive perspiration, especially at night.
5. Cough that won't stop.
6. Decrease in appetite and unexplained weight loss.
7. Clubbed (bloated) fingertips.
The following are signs of stomach lining mesothelioma.
1. Bloating or stomach pain.
2. Appetite loss and unexpected weight loss.
3. vomiting or constipation.
If you experience any lingering or concerning symptoms, consult a doctor. You should let them know if you've ever been exposed to asbestos.
What results in mesothelioma?
Asbestos is a group of minerals made of tiny fibers that were once widely used in construction, and exposure to it almost always results in mesothelioma.
These tiny fibers can quickly enter the lungs and become lodged there, where they gradually cause damage to the lungs.
Mesothelioma typically develops more than 20 years after asbestos exposure, so it typically takes a while for this to result in any obvious problems.
Since the use of asbestos was completely outlawed in 1999, there is now a much lower risk of exposure. But many older structures still contain asbestos-containing materials.
Detection methods for mesothelioma.
Your doctor will refer you to a hospital specialist for some tests if they suspect mesothelioma.
Various tests, such as the following, might need to be performed.
An abdominal or chest X-ray.
A CT scan is a procedure in which a number of X-ray pictures are taken to produce a detailed image of the inside of the body. Fluid drainage: If there is an accumulation of fluid in the stomach or around the lungs, a sample of the fluid may be drawn out and examined using a needle inserted through the skin.
A long, thin camera is inserted through a small cut (incision) during a thoracoscopy or laparoscopy to examine the inside of your chest or abdomen while you are sedated or under anesthetic. A sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken to be examined.
These tests can aid in the diagnosis of mesothelioma and reveal the extent of its spread.
Mesothelioma treatment options.
The best course of action for mesothelioma treatment depends on a number of variables, including the extent of the cancer's spread and your overall health.
Mesothelioma is frequently detected at an advanced stage, so treatment usually focuses on symptom management and life extension.
Palliative or supportive care is what this is.
The following are potential therapies:.
The main form of treatment for mesothelioma is chemotherapy, which uses drugs to help the cancer get smaller.
High-energy radiation is used in radiotherapy to kill cancer cells; it can be used to control and slow the progression of the disease.
If mesothelioma is discovered at a very early stage, surgery to remove the cancerous area may be performed, though it is unclear whether this is beneficial.
Mesothelioma cannot be cured, but immunotherapy can slow the disease's progression and lengthen life. Immunotherapy uses a combination of 2 medications to help stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
To make you as comfortable as possible, you'll likely receive treatment for your particular symptoms as well.
For instance, regular fluid drainage from the chest may improve breathing, and potent analgesics may lessen pain.
A tube may be inserted in your chest to regularly drain the fluid at home, or a procedure called a pleurodesis may be performed to make the outside of your lungs stick to the inside of your chest.
Your doctors should go over these treatments with you.
Prospects for mesothelioma.
Sadly, mesothelioma usually has a poor prognosis. This is because it usually doesn't manifest any obvious symptoms until later and, once it does, it can advance quite quickly.
In the UK, mesothelioma currently causes about 2,500 annual deaths.
Due to the 1999 asbestos ban, this number is anticipated to decline in the future.
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