Malignant Mesothelioma Is A ?
Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the thin lining of the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium. As the word malignant implies, it is a deadly disease that often has a poor prognosis.
There are three primary types of mesothelioma:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma - occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura)
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma - occurs in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum)
Malignant pericardial mesothelioma - occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium)
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a toxic, naturally occurring mineral that was often used across a wide variety of industries until about the 1980s. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body by inhalation or ingestion. Once inside the body, the asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and scarring, which ultimately leads to the development of cancerous mesothelioma cells.
There is a long latency period between the initial asbestos exposure and the onset of mesothelioma symptoms - sometimes as long as 30 to 50 years. Exposure can happen directly, such as at a jobsite (factory, shipyard, mine, etc.) or indirectly through secondary exposure. Spouses and children of those exposed to asbestos have developed malignant mesothelioma as a result of such secondary exposure.
How is Malignant Mesothelioma Treated?
Mesothelioma Prognosis is poor, as often the disease will be diagnosed in its later stages after symptoms have appeared. However, there are many treatment options for the management of this type of cancer.
Surgery
Surgery for malignant mesothelioma involves the removal of all or part of the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium. Portions of adjacent organs and lymph nodes may also be removed if the cancer has spread to them.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to kill fast-growing malignant mesothelioma cells throughout the body. It is often used in addition to surgery, so as to destroy any cancer cells that may have left behind after the procedure.
Radiation
Radiation can help shrink tumors and prevent cancer cells from spreading again, thus possibly preventing recurrence. Radiation is often used as an adjuvant therapy, after the main treatment of surgery and / or chemotherapy is administered.
Source : www.mesothelioma.com
0 Response to "Malignant Mesothelioma Is A ?"
Post a Comment