Pleural mesothelioma

Description of pleural mesothelioma

The pleura is the membrane, that separates the lungs and chest cavity from. Pleural mesothelioma – cancer of the pleura.

Causes of pleural mesothelioma

Asbestos – fibrous mineral, which, as it is now known, It causes cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos in the pleura. Even small amounts of asbestos can cause a risk of this cancer.

Risk factors for pleural mesothelioma

The main risk factors for pleural mesothelioma are:

• Repeating exposure to asbestos fibers;
• Living next to a man, who works for the production of asbestos.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma

This type of cancer usually develops quite a long time, sometimes up 20-40 years. Early signs of pleural mesothelioma include:

• Labored breathing;
• Prolonged cough;
• Pain in the chest or abdominal;
• Pain when breathing;
• Weight loss.

Many people have no symptoms of pleural mesothelioma in a long period of time.

Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. You may be directed to the doctor, who specializes in diseases of the lungs (ulmonolog) or cancers (oncologist).

Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between this and other, more common types Lung Cancer. Tests, which may be used, to diagnose disease:

• Blood tests, including complete blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (checking for the presence of inflammation in the body, which is often enhanced by the presence of cancer and other inflammatory diseases);
• Chest X-ray – It helps detect, increased if the thickness of the pleura and / or to detect the accumulation of excess fluid around the lungs;
• CT scan (CT) – such as X-rays, which uses computer, to make pictures of organs inside the body, detailed study of changes in the pleural lining;
• MRT (Magnetic resonance imaging) – procedure, which uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer, to make pictures of structures inside the body, very similar to a CT scan;
• Biopsy – removal of tissue from the pleura for examination under a microscope;

These tests can be used, to detect the spread of cancer beyond the pleura. It is important to know, how much and how far the cancer has spread, because it affects treatment.

Treatment of pleural mesothelioma

For the treatment of pleural mesothelioma, the following methods:

• Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells;
• Radiation therapy – Use of radiation, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors;
• Operation;
• The combination of the above three methods.

Prevention of pleural mesothelioma

The only known way to prevent this type of cancer – Avoid exposure to asbestos. Person, which may be exposed to asbestos paper:

• Miners;
• Production worker;
• Railwaymen;
• Shipbuilders;
• Collectors masks;
• Construction workers.

Family members of these groups may also be at risk for cancer. Asbestos fibers can be brought home on clothing. This type of exposure is also dangerous.

Asbestos can be found in the old insulation, roofing materials and tiles.

To avoid exposure to asbestos:

• Workers should use a protection proper safety equipment and precautions;
• Workers should take precautions, to avoid the accumulation of asbestos dust on their clothes;
• Exposed areas of old buildings, Asbestos was used in which must be protected.