Mesothelioma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the membranes covering several organs of the body. Commonly found in the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (stomach), and heart. Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer, however it is rare.
Exposure to asbestos dust is often associated with this type of cancer. Asbestos can be in the form of roofing boards, minerals, fibers, and various processed asbestos can cause dust which can then be inhaled by humans along with the air. This happens a lot in industrial, construction, and carpentry environments.
Symptom
Signs of mesothelioma depend on the location where the cancer appears. Mesothelioma in the lungs will be recognized by symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, chronic cough, fatigue, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Sufferers also often have fever and sweat, especially at night. In addition, usually there will also be unexplained weight loss.
Meanwhile, signs of mesothelioma in the stomach include nausea, pain and enlargement of the stomach, anemia, hypoglycemia, fever, and diarrhea or constipation. In addition, as in patients with mesothelioma on the chest, sufferers will also lose their appetite and experience unexplained weight loss.
Meanwhile, symptoms of mesothelioma in the heart is the occurrence of arrhythmias or palpitations. Apart from that, sufferers will also feel chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever or sweating, especially at night.
Reason
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos or better known as asbestos. Asbestos fibers can enter the membranes covering organs, causing inflammation, and eventually forming cancer.
Other risk factors are exposure to viruses (SV 40), radiation (thorium dioxide), and several types of chemicals (erionite, chemicals in paint, and so on).
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of mesothelioma, the doctor will conduct a series of medical interviews or anamnesis and physical examinations. Possible follow-up checks:
- Imaging –such as X-ray, CT-Scan, MRI, PET Scan.
- Blood tests to check for mesothelin biomarkers.
- Biopsy, namely taking tissue/body fluid samples for examination under a microscope, to identify the presence of malignant cells or not.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the location of the mesothelioma, the stage of the cancer, and the type of cancer cells. Options that can be made are:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
- pleurodesis: ‘sticking’ of the lining covering the lung/pleura to prevent continuous fluid build-up
Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis. Half of sufferers can live at least a year after diagnosis. However, only 10% live up to five years after diagnosis.
Prevention
Mesothelioma prevention measures that can be taken is to avoid or reduce contact with asbestos or asbestos. Because this is the main cause of mesothelioma.
However, if the risk of exposure to asbestos cannot be avoided or if you are a person who has a job with a risk of exposure to asbestos, follow the safety rules that have been set. In addition, you should also know the safe handling of asbestos.