What Is Mesothelioma Cancer?

What Is Mesothelioma Cancer?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive malignant cancer that affects the lining of the membranes of the lungs and stomach. Malignant mesothelioma or malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all diseases associated with asbestos. Although rare, mesothelioma cancer is no longer considered rare. The main cause and risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Making a mesothelioma diagnosis correctly is very difficult for doctors because the disease often presents with symptoms that resemble other common diseases. No cure for mesothelioma has yet been found, but treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy have helped to improve the typical prognosis of mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma (affecting the protective lining of the lungs in the chest cavity) represents about three-quarters of all mesothelioma events. While peritoneal mesothelioma that affects the abdominal cavity and pericardial mesothelioma that affect the heart cavity, represents the residual occurrence of mesothelioma. Testicular mesothelioma is very rare and usually looks typical with metastases of various peritoneal.

There are three types of mesothelioma cells that have been recognized. Between 50 and 70% of all mesotheliomas are of the epithelial type. While this prognosis is still considered less aggressive than sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic mesothelioma, which includes residual cell type diagnosis.

The cavity inside the body that covers the chest, abdomen, and heart is surrounded by a cell membrane known as mesothelium. These mesothelial cells assist in the function of common organs. Mesothelium works very important for organs that are generally moving, such as expansion or contraction of the lungs, stomach, or heart. Lubrication of the mesothelial cells allows free space of movement in the body. Mesothelium of the chest, abdomen, and heart cavity is called pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium. Each mesothelial cell grouping is essential for the function of the body structure they cover.

Malignancy (cancerous tumor) occurring within the mesothelial membrane is known as malignant mesothelioma, or simply called mesothelioma. Benign tumors of mesothelium are also known to occur, but less frequently than common malignant cancers generally.

While mesothelium tumors were first known to occur in the late 18th century, up to the mid-20th century, these cancers were studied and examined in more detail. At that time the suspicion of the cancer-causing relationship with asbestos exposure became more provable. A joint research company through the Department of Surgical Toraks at Witswater University and Johannesburg General Hospital in South Africa provides the most compelling evidence of the relationship between asbestos exposure and the development of chest mesothelioma.

The occurrence of mesothelioma is still quite rare, with only 2,500-3000 diagnoses in the United States each year. A surge of diagnosis was reported between 1970 and 1984. This was associated with a high industry level during the previous 40-60 years. Exposure to asbestos is common in almost all industries, but in particular occurs in the military industry of World War II and includes naval shipyards.

Although this cancer is more common in men over the age of 60 (largely due to industrial exposure in male-dominated industries), mesothelioma in women and children has been described as well. The cause of Mesothelioma for diagnosis in women and children is primarily associated with secondary asbestos exposure. Since it is often the case that male workers bring asbestos up into the house through their bodies or clothing if proper cleaning facilities are not available at work.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a comprehensive combination of biopsy and shape imaging.
Mesothelioma can be malignant that is difficult to diagnose because of the symptoms and pathology of diseases similar to other respiratory conditions. For this reason, misdiagnosis in mesothelioma patients is very common. Symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, chronic cough, effusion of the chest and abdomen, and the presence of blood in the lung fluid.

Diagnostic surgery including a biopsy will usually be necessary to determine the type of malignant cells seen in the body. Normally a body imaging scan, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or topographic computer (CT scan) will be needed to determine the extent and location of the disease.

Mesothelioma patients are generally referred to a prominent mesothelioma doctor in the United States. The oncologist is well versed in disease and pathology behavior and has become accustomed to a wide range of mesothelioma treatment options. Dr. David Sugarbaker of Brigham and Women's Hospital, is a representative of Harvard University and Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, which is the frontline in mesothelioma treatment through the International Mesothelioma Program.

Because mesothelioma usually requires further diagnosis, there is a wide range of treatment options available.

Mesothelioma is certainly an aggressive disease, but the degree of malignancy can be managed. Although there is no cure for cancer, mesothelioma treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are available for many patients. While the combination of Alimta® and Cisplatin is currently the only FDA that approved chemotherapy regimens. Several clinical trials are currently in the process of using other drugs including Gemcitabine and Onconase, with many showing dramatically improved results in certain cancer patients.

Radiation therapy is also used, but usually in conjunction with other treatment methods such as surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical resection of mesothelioma may be possible in the early stages of the patient's diagnosis. Aggressive surgery such as extrapleural pneumonectomy can prolong the patient's survival rate far beyond the previous estimate of time. Diagnostic and palliative surgery such as pleurocentesis and pleurodesis are also common in malignant mesothelioma cancer patients.

Alternative therapy has also been used effectively by many mesothelioma patients to assist in managing symptoms of illness and conventional treatments. This treatment is done in particular but can be very valuable to many patients.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is only caused by exposure to asbestos, although much of the case documentation has occurred in children or others who have no history of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a microscopic and naturally occurring mineral that settles in the lining of the pleural lungs and the peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity.

In many cases, people diagnosed with mesothelioma that have been known to be exposed to asbestos may be eligible for financial compensation from asbestos producers for their disease. In some developed countries, those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and exposed to asbestos can fill out a short form and then get the latest mesothelioma treatment information, active clinical trials, prominent physicians, as well as how to get compensation for asbestos-related health conditions such as mesothelioma.


Source:

National Cancer Institute - Malignant Mesothelioma
(http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma)

Wagner, J.C., Sleggs, C.A., and Marchand, Paul. 'Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in the North Western Cape Province.' Department of Thoracic Surgery: University of The Witswatersrand. Johannesburg, South Africa. 1960.

Grondin, Sean C., Sugarbaker, David J. 'Pleuropneumonectomy in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma' Chest December 1999 116: suppl 3 450S-454S;

Rusch, Valerie W. 'Indications for pneumoctomy. Extrapleural pneumonectomy '

Roggli VL, Sharma A, Butnor KJ, Sporn T, Vollmer RT (2002). 'Malignant mesothelioma and occupational exposure to asbestos: a clinicopathological correlation of 1445 cases'. Ultrastruct Pathol 26 (2): 55-65.

Brigham and Women's Hospital - International Mesothelioma Program
(http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Departments_and_Services/surgery/services/thoracicsurgery/services/mesothelioma/default.aspx)

http://www.mesothelioma.com/

Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma?

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs (mesothelium). Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Treatment for mesothelioma is indeed available, but for many people suffering from mesothelioma, complete healing is not possible.

Doctors divide mesothelioma into various types based on which part of the mesothelium is affected by cancer. Mesothelioma most commonly affects the tissues surrounding the lungs (pleura). This type is called malignant pleural mesothelioma. Other types of mesothelioma (rarely encountered) affect the tissue in the abdomen (called peritoneal mesothelioma), located around the heart and around the testes.

Mesothelioma is not a form of non-cancerous (benign) tumor, occurring in the chest, sometimes referred to as benign mesothelioma or solitary fibrous tumor.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may vary, depending on the location of the cancer in the body.

Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissues surrounding the lungs, raises signs and symptoms of:

• Chest pain under the ribs
• Cough with pain
• Hard to breathe
• Clumps of tissue under the skin on the chest
• Unexplained weight loss

Peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the tissues in the stomach, has signs and symptoms that may be:

• Abdominal pain 
• Abdominal swelling
• Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss

Another form of mesothelioma

Signs and symptoms of other types of mesothelioma tend to be unclear, because other forms of the disease are very rare. Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the tissues surrounding the heart, can cause signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. Mesothelioma tunica vaginalis, which affects the tissue that surrounds the testes, may first be detected as a swelling or an additional mass in the testes.

Causes & Risk Factors

In general, cancer begins when a series of genetic mutations occur inside the cell, causing the cells to grow and multiply out of control. It remains unclear as to the early causes of genetic mutations that can lead to mesothelioma. However, researchers have identified factors that may increase the risk of this disease. According to the researchers, the possibility of cancer formation is the result of the interaction of many factors, such as inherited condition (health), environment, health condition and lifestyle choices.

Exposure to asbestos: The main risk factor of mesothelioma Asbestos is a mineral found naturally in the environment.

Asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat, making them useful in a variety of devices, such as insulation, brake, shingle, flooring and many other products.

When asbestos minerals are cut off, for example when mining processes or when removing asbestos insulation, dust is usually formed. If this dust is inhaled or swallowed, then asbestos fibers will settle in the lungs or in the stomach, this precipitation causes irritation that can cause mesothelioma. How the irritation then develops into mesothelioma is not understood exactly. It takes about 30 to 40 years or more to develop mesothelioma after a person is exposed to asbestos exposure.

Most people exposed to asbestos in a long time tend not to develop mesothelioma. However, some people who experience a short exposure actually develop the disease. This suggests that other factors may be involved in the development of mesothelioma in a person. For example, a person inherited a tendency to have cancer or some other condition that may increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include:

• Never or often exposed to asbestos exposure. If you have been exposed to asbestos fibers directly at work or at home, then the risk of mesothelioma will increase.
• Staying with someone who works in an asbestos environment. People exposed to asbestos can bring fiber home to their skin and clothing. Exposure to these fibers for many years can put his family at risk of mesothelioma. People who work with high levels of asbestos can reduce the risk of bringing home asbestos fibers by bathing and changing clothes before they return home from work.
• A monkey virus used in polio vaccine. Several studies have shown an association between mesothelioma and the simian virus 40 (SV40), a virus originally found in monkeys. Millions of people may have been exposed to SV40 when receiving polio vaccinations between 1955 and 1963 because the vaccine was developed using a monkey cell. Once it is known that SV40 has links to certain cancers, then the virus is removed from the polio vaccine. Whether SV40 may increase the risk of mesothelioma or not remains a debate, and further research is still needed.

Complications

When pleural mesothelioma spreads in the chest, this condition will place pressure on the structure around the area. This can lead to complications, such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the neck and face caused by pressure on large veins, the vein that leads from the upper body to your heart (superior vena cava syndrome)
• Pain caused by pressure on the nerves and spinal cord
• Accumulation of fluid in the chest (pleural effusion), which can compress the lungs and make a person difficult to breathe

When to Go to a Doctor?

 If you have signs and symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma, see your doctor immediately. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are usually not specific, because mesothelioma is relatively rare, and signs / symptoms tend to be associated with other conditions. If there are persistent or disturbing signs and symptoms that persist, ask your doctor to evaluate. Please also inform your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos fibers.

Lifestyle & Home Care

The type of treatment that can be treated for mesothelioma cases will depend on the health conditions and certain aspects of cancer, such as the extent and location of the cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often an aggressive disease and for most people, total healing is not possible. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage - especially in cases where cancer is not possible to be removed by surgery. However, doctors may try to control the cancer and make patients 'more comfortable'.

Discuss the purpose of treatment with the doctor. Some people want to do everything they can to treat their cancer, even if the treatment will cause permanent side effects with minimal recovery opportunities. Others prefer a treatment that can keep them comfortable so they can live the rest of their remaining time without symptoms.

Operation

The surgeon will attempt to remove mesothelioma when the cancer is successfully diagnosed at an early stage. In some cases, this action can cure cancer.
Sometimes it is impossible to remove all parts of the cancer. In this case, surgery can help reduce the signs and symptoms caused by mesothelioma so as not to spread in the body.

Operation options may include:

• Surgery to reduce fluid buildup. Pleural mesothelioma can cause fluid to accumulate in the chest, so psien will find it difficult to breathe. The surgeon will insert a tube or catheter to the chest to drain the fluid. The doctor may also inject the medicine into the chest to prevent fluid return (pleurodesis).
• Surgery to remove tissue around the lungs or stomach. The surgeon will remove the tissue lining the ribs and lungs (pleurectomy) or tissue lining the abdominal cavity (peritonectomy). This procedure does not cure mesothelioma, but it can relieve signs and symptoms.
• Surgery to remove as much cancer as possible (debulking). If all cancer cells can not be removed, then the surgeon may try to remove as much of the cancer cells as possible. The debulking procedure allows doctors to perform direct radiation treatment more accurately, aimed at relieving pain and fluid buildup from mesothelioma.
• Surgery to remove the lungs and surrounding tissues. Lifting the lung part of the problem and surrounding tissue can alleviate the signs / symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. If patients undergo radiation therapy in postoperative chest, this procedure will allow doctors to use higher doses, as they do not have to worry about radiation damage to the patient's lungs.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy procedures use chemicals to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy runs throughout the body and can shrink or slow the growth of mesothelioma that can not be removed by surgery. Chemotherapy may also be performed before surgery (neoajuvan chemotherapy) to make surgery easier or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the likelihood of the return of cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs can also be heated and channeled directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy) -in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma-or into the chest cavity (intrapleural chemotherapy), -in the pleural mesothelioma case. Through this strategy, chemotherapy drugs can reach mesothelioma directly without injuring healthy cells in other parts of the body. This allows doctors to administer chemotherapy drugs in higher doses.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy directs a high energy, such as an X-ray, to a specific spot or toward the spots of the body. Radiation can reduce the signs and symptoms in people who have pleural mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is sometimes used after a biopsy or surgical procedure to prevent mesothelioma from spreading to the surgical incision area.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are the study of new mesothelioma treatment methods. Mesothelioma patients may take the opportunity to undergo clinical trials as a new type of treatment process. However, total cure is not guaranteed. Be careful in considering treatment options, consult your doctor about the types of clinical trials available. Participation in clinical triaTreatment for other types of mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma from tunica vaginalis is a very rare type of cancer. When the cancer is still at an early stage, then the cancer can usually be removed by surgery. Nevertheless doctors have not been able to determine the best way to treat advanced cancer. Doctors can recommend other forms of treatment so that patients can improve their quality of life.

Alternative therapy

There is no other type of alternative treatment that is actually proven to help treat mesothelioma. However, complementary and alternative medicine can help control the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma. Discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor.

Mesothelioma can cause pressure on the chest that can make the patient feel as if short of breath. Your doctor may suggest using extra oxygen or taking special medications to make the patient feel more comfortable, although (often) this is not enough. Combining a doctor's recommended treatment with a complementary / alternative approach can help patients feel better.

Promising alternative treatments and helping people overcome breathlessness include:

• Acupuncture. Acupuncture uses a thin needle inserted at certain points on the skin.
• Breathing training. A nurse or physical therapist can teach breathing techniques that can be used when the patient feels asphyxiated that sometimes panics. Application of this technique can help control the condition of breathing.
• Relaxation exercises. Stretching and relaxing a group of different muscles slowly can help the patient feel more comfortable and breathe easier. The doctor may recommend a therapist who can teach relaxation exercises so that patients can do it themselves.
• Sit near the fan. Directing the fan towards the face can help ease the sensation of shortness of breath.

Support

Diagnosis of mesothelioma can have a negative and severe impact, not only for the sufferer, but also for family and friends. Try to:

• Learn about mesothelioma before making a decision about treatment. Write down the questions you want to ask your doctor. Asking for information to the health care team can help better understand mesothelioma disease.
• Seek support. A close friend or family can help with everyday tasks, such as helping to make a doctor's appointment or treatment.
• Look for other people with similar conditions (cancer). Sometimes there are certain questions that can only be answered by people who experience the same thing (cancer). Support groups offer patients the opportunity to ask questions and receive support from people who understand the situation.
• Future plan. Ask the health care team to provide family guidance on the patient's medical needs, especially when the patient is unable to express it indivi- sively.

Prevention

Reducing exposure to asbestos can lower the risk of mesothelioma. Most people with mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos fibers in the workplace. Workers who may interact with asbestos fibers include:

• Miners
• Factory worker
• Manufacturers of insulation
• Builders of ships
• Construction workers
• Auto-mechanics

Follow the 'Safety Rules'

Follow all safety precautions in the workplace, such as wearing protective equipment. Bathe and change work clothes before lunch break or go home. Talk to your doctor about other precautions you can take to protect yourself from exposure to asbestos.

Securing asbestos at home

Old houses and buildings may contain asbestos. In many cases, removing asbestos tends to be more dangerous than leaving it in intact condition. Termination of asbestos minerals can cause asbestos fibers into air, so this fiber can be inhaled. Consult with trained experts on asbestos or to detect asbestos at home. Experts can test the air content at home to see if asbestos can be a risk to health. Do not try to remove / remove asbestos from your own home, ask for expert helpls can help doctors to better understand the type of treatment appropriate for future mesothelioma.

Currently, clinical trials are investigating the types of targeted drugs (given as targeted). This type of drug therapy is targeted using drugs to overcome certain abnormalities in cancer cells. The target being studied in mesothelioma is one of the substances that make cancer cells able to attract new blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the cancer area. Researchers hope that the type of drug that targets these areas can help kill mesothelioma cells.

What Is Mesothelioma? Know Mesothelioma Disease

What Is Mesothelioma?

Cancer is a deadly disease and very often we hear someone die from this cancer. According to Wikipedia, cancer is a disease characterized by typical cell cycle abnormalities that give rise to the ability of cells to grow out of control, attack nearby biological tissue, and also migrate to other body tissues through the blood circulation or lymphatic system, called metastasis.

Today there are many types of cancers that we can know, and this time Makintau will discuss about mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is one type of cancer of many types of cancer.

Perhaps many of you who still do not know or even just heard the type of cancer. Indeed, mesothelioma is one type of cancer is still rare. We may hear more often about breast cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer and so on.

But although this mesotheioma is a rare type of cancer, but make no mistake, this type of cancer is very dangerous and deadly. Mesothelioma itself is a type of lung cancer that usually occurs in the membrane around the lungs commonly called the pleura.

CAUSES OF MESOTHEILOMA

The cause of this disease is due to exposure to asbestos dust, asbestos is a strong mineral goods that have been used for various purposes. This asbestos if destroyed will cause dust or fine fibers like needles and can easily fly hovering in the air.

Usually this is present in industrial environments, construction sites, carpentry and building materials stores as well as other places related to asbestos.

When this dust flies in the air and is inhaled by the nose, this asbestos dust gets stuck and trapped inside the lungs. If this happens continuously and for a long time, then the sharp dust will continue to settle and more and more in the lungs. This is what causes mesotheiloma to occur.

In Japan, there have been hundreds of people who died from exposure to asbestos dust. They died from mesothelioma cancer. The risk of this disease will increase if you are an active smoker. And a source mentions that and about 10 percent of patients live at least five years after they are diagnosed.

Please note, the ceiling of a house that has a mixture of asbestos is also potential to bring this disease. In 1995 in Japan issued a ban on the use of blue and brown asbestos because it includes a very high carcinogen type.

For that, for those of you who work or directly related to asbestos should be more careful in the work. Prioritize your safety and health by complying with OSH. Do not hesitate to use a mask while working to minimize unwanted things. Perform regular health checks so that all forms of disease can be detected early.

What Is Mesothelioma? Understand With This Lung Cancer

Cancer has become one of the most prevalent diseases of the world these days. The more people who have cancer, making many people also want to know the various types of cancer that may threaten their health, one of which is mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is one of the rare lung cancer, but the most dangerous and deadly that usually occurs in the membrane around the lungs, called pleura. The main cause of cancer that attacks lung cells called mesothelium is exposure to asbestos dust.

Asbestos can take the form of roof boards, minerals, fibers and various processed asbestos products can cause dust and inhaled along with air. Usually this happens in industrial environments, construction sites, carpentry and building materials stores. When asbestos fibers and dust are inhaled into the lungs, then the dust will stop inside the lungs.

If you continue to inhale asbestos dust, then the dust will gather and settle in the lungs. This is the cause of cancer and the risk will increase if you are an active smoker or have a family history of cancer patients.

Cancer will be very lethal because the average survival time for malignant mesothelioma or mesothelioma cancer ranges from 4 to 18 months, and about 10 percent of patients live at least five years after being diagnosed.

Clinical symptoms that occur in mesothelioma are:

1. Dyspnea and nonpleuritic chest wall pain are the most common symptoms of malignant mesothelioma, (Approximately 60-90% of patients experience symptoms of chest pain or dyspnea.)
2. In patients with malignant mesothelioma, physical findings of pleural effusion are usually known by percussion and auscultation.
3. In rare cases, malignant mesothelioma manifests as cord compression, brachial plexopathy, Horner syndrome, or superior vena cava syndrome. Death is usually caused by infection or respiratory failure from the development of mesothelioma.

The main areas that often occur in the pleura (87%), peritoneum (5.1%), and pericardium (0.4%).

So if you are one who works in the field of asbestos industry, or having direct contact with asbestos quite often, then it is worth checking before mesothelioma attacks, yes.

5 Types of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is an aggressive malignant cancer that affects the lining membrane of the lungs and stomach, malignant mesothelioma or malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all diseases associated with asbestos. Although rare, mesothelioma cancer is no longer considered rare. The main cause and risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

TYPES OF MESOTHELIOMA

Mesothelioma has several types and can attack several parts of the body, among others:

Mesothelioma pleura (lung membrane)

This type is the most common of all mesothelioma. Usually caused by the frequent inhaling of asbestos fiber dust, which is then trapped in the pleura and causes scarring and inflammation.

Peritoneal mesothelioma (lining of the abdominal cavity)

The second most common type develops in the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the stomach. As with pleural mesothelioma, the cause is dust and asbestos fibers that either swallow or find a way to the digestive tract so that it settles and develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Pericardial mesothelioma (the sac encasing the heart)

Mesothelioma is ranked third most often that attacks the tissue lining the heart. The cause is also asbestos, and this cancer develops from abnormal cells that have developed in the pleura. Somehow the process, but this asbestos dust can penetrate into the pericardium and develop in the heart membrane.

Mesothelioma of the testes tunica vaginalis (the internal layer of male sex organs) and Mesothelioma uteri tunika serosa (the internal membrane of female intimate organs)

Both types of mesothelioma are the most rare. Although not exactly how the asbestos dust can settle and attack the female sex organs, and some cases show that asbestos dust is the main cause.

Mesothelioma - Symptoms, causes and treats

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of tissue that envelopes most of the internal organs. Some organs have mesothelium, including the lungs (pleura), abdomen (abdomen), heart (pericardial), and testicles (tunica vaginalis). This cancer is classified as aggressive and many sufferers are not successfully treated.

Mesothelioma most commonly attacks the mesothelium of the lungs (called pleural mesothelioma) and the chest wall. Another type of mesothelioma less commonly encountered is peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the mesothelium of the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is different from benign mesothelioma in the chest which is also called solitary fibrous tumor.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Cancer that attacks organs begins from cell mutations that cause the growth to become uncontrolled until then doubled. Experts still can not confirm the cause of these cell mutations. However, the interaction between lifestyle, derivative and environmental conditions is alleged to be a factor that triggers cancer.
Although the exact cause of mesothelioma is unknown, the major risk factor of mesothelioma is asbestos. This disease is rarely encountered before the commercial use of asbestos begins. Asbestos is a mineral used as a material for making brakes, floors, roofs, and insulation.

Asbestos dust is inhaled or swallowed will accumulate in the lungs and abdomen for a long time, usually about 20-50 years, before it eventually develops into mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is also more commonly diagnosed in men than in women, and in people over the age of 65 years.

Some other factors that can trigger this disease, namely:

• An environment where the soil contains asbestos.
• Living in an area or living with someone who has work related to exposure to Asbestos can stick also in skin and clothing so as to bring asbestos into the home or other environment.
• Ever exposed asbestos or have family members who suffer from mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma may vary based on where the cancer cells are located. Pericardial mesothelioma may cause chest pain and difficulty breathing, while mesothelioma tunica vaginalis will show symptoms of swelling of the testicles.

Pleural mesothelioma has the following symptoms:

• Cough accompanied by unbearable pain.
• Shortness of breath due to the buildup of fluid in the chest.
• An unhealthy lump on the tissue behind the breast skin.
• Weight loss for no apparent reason.
• Often overwhelmed by excessive fatigue.
• Fever accompanied by sweat especially at night.
• Swollen fingertips.
• Chest pain that feels under the ribs.

Peritoneal mesothelioma has the following symptoms:

• Pain in the abdominal area.
• There is a lump in the abdominal tissue.
• Swelling in the abdominal area.
• Weight loss without cause.
• Diarrhea or constipation.

Given the symptoms of mesothelioma are not specific and can be associated with other conditions, then you should see a doctor immediately feel the symptoms above, especially if there is a history of exposure to asbestos.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

The examination will begin with anamnesa about the symptoms suffered, personal and family medical history. Anamnesa is a conversation performed by the doctor to the patient directly as a way to get data about the condition and medical problems that are being experienced by the patient. In addition to anamnesa, the doctor will perform a physical examination to check for lumps or other abnormal signs.

Furthermore, the doctor may instruct the investigation to be performed as part of the effort to diagnose the disease. Common checks are performed to diagnose mesothelioma, among other X-rays to check if there are chest disorders and CT scan to check the chest and abdominal area.

Biopsies or other tests may also be performed to determine which disease causes the symptoms to appear. A biopsy is a laboratory examination of a small amount of tissue that can be taken from different parts of the body, depending on the location of the illness. The tissue is then examined in the laboratory to find out what cell types cause abnormalities, as well as to know the type of cancer they have.

As for some types of biopsy that may be recommended for the diagnosis of mesothelioma, namely:

• Biopsy uses a small fine needle to pull tissue or fluid from the chest or abdomen.
• Laparoscopy - Biopsy by making small wedges in the abdominal area to take tissue. This procedure is aided by very small operation and camera devices.
• Laparotomy - Biopsy by dissecting open the abdomen to take tissue to be examined for the presence of disease or other abnormalities.
• Torakoskopi or VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) - Biopsy by making a small wedge between the ribs to insert a camera and a small operation device into the chest cavity and take a small sample of the tissue to be examined.
• Torakotomy - Biopsy by dissecting an area between the ribs to examine the area, whether there are signs of illness and taking tissue samples if necessary.

Once the diagnosis is obtained, the doctor will conduct further tests on the patient's body, such as MRI imaging tests and PET mapping, to determine the stage of the disease and treatment steps that can be taken. There are four levels (stage) in pleural mesothelioma, while the spreading stage in mesothelioma of other types of more rare is still not known with certainty.
Four stages of pleural mesothelioma consist of:

• Stage I - Cancer condition is still local, which is only in one area on one chest layer.
• Stage II - The cancer has spread beyond the chest to the area of ​​the lung or diaphragm.
• Stage III - Cancer has spread to other areas of the chest or has attacked the nearest lymph nodes. Some of the locations of the lymph nodes in humans are in the neck, underarms, and around the groin,
• Stage IV - Advanced stage cancer that has spread throughout the chest or other body areas, such as the brain and liver.

Mesothelioma Treatment

There are several steps of mesothelioma treatment that may be recommended by a doctor. The selected treatment plan will depend on the condition of the disease, the stage of the cancer, and the general health of the patient. However, considering mesothelioma is a cancer that can not be cured and generally new can be detected at an advanced stage, then the treatment step is more aimed at reducing the symptoms felt by the patient.

While there are several treatment options for pleural and abdominal mesothelioma, another case with pericardial and tunica vaginalis mesothelioma has not been treated because it is considered more rare. However, the cancer that is still at an early stage can be removed through surgery or the patient can still through other treatments to reduce the symptoms.

Here are some common mesothelioma treatment steps:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug used to shrink or inhibit cancer growth. This drug can spread to all parts of the body and can be used before surgery or after surgery. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, the drug can be heated and given directly into the abdominal cavity in order not to injure healthy tissue in other body parts. This allows the dose of chemotherapy drugs to be given in high doses.

Chemotherapy given before undergoing surgical procedures can facilitate surgery because cancer cells have been minimized before they are removed. Chemotherapy given after surgery will reduce the risk of cancer reappearing.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy may be performed after surgical procedures to eradicate leftover cancer cells or reduce symptoms of advanced cancer when surgery is not possible. In its application, this therapy uses high-energy jets, such as X-rays and proton light, which are focused on specific body areas.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to remove the cancer that is generally still in the early stages of disease progression, although in some cases still can not successfully remove cancer cells completely. Surgery can also be done to reduce the symptoms of advanced cancer that has spread to other body parts in order to reduce symptoms suffered. Here are some commonly performed surgery options and their use for mesothelioma sufferers.

• Operating procedure to remove as much as possible cancer cells that can be removed from the patient's body. This procedure allows doctors to continue treatment with radiotherapy to reduce pain and prevent excessive fluid accumulation due to mesothelioma.
• Operating procedures to reduce fluid buildup in the chest area that may interfere with breathing. The surgery is done by inserting a catheter tube into the chest to suck fluid. Doctors can also inject drugs to prevent recurrence of fluid buildup, also known as pleurodesis procedures.
• Surgical removal of tissue around the abdominal cavity, ribs, or lungs that have been exposed to cancer cells to help reduce the symptoms and signs of mesothelioma.
• Surgical removal of affected lung portions following adjacent tissues to relieve symptoms in pleural mesothelioma patients. This procedure is usually followed by high-dose radiotherapy.

Multimodality therapy

This therapy is a combination of three or more treatment steps, such as surgery, postoperative chemotherapy (adjuvant chemotherapy), and radiation therapy to enlarge the success rate of treatment.

Alternative medicine

Alternative treatment has not been clinically proven to treat mesothelioma, but some of these treatments have shown good development in mesothelioma patients. Here are related healing techniques.

• Respiratory exercises to control breathing when the patient begins to feel breathless.
• Relaxation exercises of the body, especially the respiratory muscles, can also make it easier for people to breathe lightly.
• Sitting close to the fan facing the face can reduce the sensation of difficulty breathing felt by the sufferer.
• Acupuncture.

Discuss alternative treatment steps that you choose with your doctor before you start using it.

Complementary or other supplementary treatment may be recommended by a physician to reduce mesothelioma symptoms. Additional treatments, such as oxygen or certain medications, may help the patient breathe more comfortably considering mesothelioma can cause pressure in the chest that may interfere with breathing.

Clinical trials

Some clinical trials are generally available and informed to cancer survivors, but the possibility of cure remains uncertain so it is important to consider carefully. Talk to your doctor about existing clinical trials and if appropriate for the condition of the patient. On the other hand, following a clinical trial will increase the chance for doctors to find treatment against mesothelioma.

Here are some of the clinical trials that are being studied for mesothelioma conditions:

• Biological therapy - using the patient's immune system to fight cancer, also called immunotherapy.
• Gene therapy - alters the genes present in cancer cells to stop the disease.
• Therapy uses drugs to attack abnormalities / abnormalities that occur in cancer cells.

Complications of Mesothelioma

Here are the complications of pleural mesothelioma that have spread to the chest and caused structural stress on the infected area.

• Pain in the chest area.
• Pain caused by pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
• Hard to breathe.
• Hard to swallow
• The accumulation of fluid in the chest that suppresses the lungs and complicate the process of breathing

Mesothelioma Prevention

The main precaution of mesothelioma is by reducing contact with everything related to asbestos, a major cause of the development of mesothelioma. People who work or are often exposed to asbestos are high-risk groups, such as miners, factory workers, manufacturers / makers of insulation devices, construction workers, and mechanics.

If you are part of any of the above risk groups then you are required to comply with the safety rules set by the company. Sometimes it is better to leave asbestos in place than to attempt to remove it without the help of experts, although both of these are at risk of health hazards. Find out, learn, and follow instructions on safe asbestos handling in your neighborhood.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

Malignancies involving the mesothelial cells of the human body, including the pleura, the peritoneum, the pericardium, and the testes, are known as malignant mesothelioma, either local or diffuse. Most, but not all, cases of malignant mesothelioma in pleural (lung cancer) are usually associated with exposure to asbestos. Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, 77% have been exposed to asbestos in their past. The diagnosis of mesothelioma is difficult to enforce because the results of effusion fluid analysis from cancer are usually undiagnostic. Mesothelioma is more common in males than females and it occurs most commonly in the fifth decade until the 7th decade. Most cases (about 90%) of malignant mesothelioma occur in the pleura.

From the histology there are 3 types of mesothelioma mesothelioma sarcomatous, epithelial, and mixed (mixed). Pleural mesothelioma usually begins as plaque and nodules that combine to produce sheetlike neoplasm. Tumor growth usually begins at the bottom of the chest. Tumors can attack the diaphragm and envelop the surface of the lung and the interlobar gap.

As the disease progresses, it often extends to the lung parenchyma, chest wall and mediastinal wall. Pleural mesothelioma can spread to the esophagus, ribs, spine, brachial plexus, and superior cava vein.

Asbestos, amphibole asbestos, asbestos-crocidolite, and amosite asbestos in particular, are the major carcinogens involved in pathogenesis. Exposure to chrysotile asbestos is associated with a lower incidence of mesothelioma. Industrial areas often associated with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure include the mining industry, shipbuilding involving the use of asbestos, the manufacture of cement asbestos, ceramics, grinding paper, auto parts, and railway repair plants.

Clinical manifestations / clinical symptoms that occur in mesothelioma are:

• Dyspnea and nonpleuritic chest wall pain are the most common symptoms of malignant mesothelioma. (Approximately 60-90% of patients experience symptoms of chest pain or dyspnea.)
• In patients with malignant mesothelioma, physical findings of pleural effusion are usually known by percussion and auscultation.
• In rare cases, malignant mesothelioma manifests as cord compression, brachial plexopathy, Horner syndrome, or superior vena cava syndrome. Death is usually caused by infection or respiratory failure from the development of mesothelioma.
• The main areas that often occur in the pleura (87%), peritoneum (5.1%), and pericardium (0.4%).