Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma accounts for about 75% of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos fibers are the cause of pleural mesothelioma, which may not develop until 10 to 50 years after exposure.
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is the lining of the lungs. There are several symptoms that can appear which are non-specific and could be associated with a number of more common illnesses and diseases. It is the long latency period that makes mesothelioma so difficult to diagnose. If you have worked with asbestos, it is important that you let the doctor know.
Some of the more common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain that can be quite severe, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and weight loss. As the tumor invades the lungs and also the chest wall, breathing can be very difficult. Fluid often accumulates in the pleural space, making breathing even more difficult. The severe pain in the ribs or chest is caused by the spreading of the cancer.
The treatment plan for pleural mesothelioma depends on several factors. The patient’s age, general state of health, and medical history are all taken into consideration when a treatment plan is formed. The staging of the cancer is the single most important piece of information. Staging tells the doctors how and where the cancer has spread.
There are three main types of treatment. These treatments are designed to extend life and reduce or even eliminate pain. Quality of life is important.
For some patients with localized tumors who are in a generally good state of health, a surgical procedure might be possible to remove the tumor. There are two very difficult surgeries which may be good options for some patients.
Less invasive surgical procedures can also be used to drain the fluid from around the lungs, making the patient more comfortable. When the fluid is removed, breathing is easier and pain may be decreased.
Chemotherapy can be used to kill the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy can be the primary method of treatment. Usually two chemotherapeutic drugs are used together. Treatment is given intravenously (into the vein) in cycles. Chemotherapy can also be used in addition to other treatment.
Radiation therapy is the third general type of treatment. Usually external radiation is used, aiming the radiation directly at the tumor. This can often help lessen pain and improve breathing. Radiation can also be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy.
These treatments may be combined to give the patient the best results. There are many clinical trials attempting to determine which types of treatment are best for the various stages of mesothelioma. Some patients may get the best treatment by participating in a clinical trial.
Anna L. Kaplan, M.D.
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is the lining of the lungs. There are several symptoms that can appear which are non-specific and could be associated with a number of more common illnesses and diseases. It is the long latency period that makes mesothelioma so difficult to diagnose. If you have worked with asbestos, it is important that you let the doctor know.
Some of the more common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain that can be quite severe, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and weight loss. As the tumor invades the lungs and also the chest wall, breathing can be very difficult. Fluid often accumulates in the pleural space, making breathing even more difficult. The severe pain in the ribs or chest is caused by the spreading of the cancer.
The treatment plan for pleural mesothelioma depends on several factors. The patient’s age, general state of health, and medical history are all taken into consideration when a treatment plan is formed. The staging of the cancer is the single most important piece of information. Staging tells the doctors how and where the cancer has spread.
There are three main types of treatment. These treatments are designed to extend life and reduce or even eliminate pain. Quality of life is important.
For some patients with localized tumors who are in a generally good state of health, a surgical procedure might be possible to remove the tumor. There are two very difficult surgeries which may be good options for some patients.
Less invasive surgical procedures can also be used to drain the fluid from around the lungs, making the patient more comfortable. When the fluid is removed, breathing is easier and pain may be decreased.
Chemotherapy can be used to kill the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy can be the primary method of treatment. Usually two chemotherapeutic drugs are used together. Treatment is given intravenously (into the vein) in cycles. Chemotherapy can also be used in addition to other treatment.
Radiation therapy is the third general type of treatment. Usually external radiation is used, aiming the radiation directly at the tumor. This can often help lessen pain and improve breathing. Radiation can also be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy.
These treatments may be combined to give the patient the best results. There are many clinical trials attempting to determine which types of treatment are best for the various stages of mesothelioma. Some patients may get the best treatment by participating in a clinical trial.
Anna L. Kaplan, M.D.
No comments:
Post a Comment