🦠 Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelium — the thin layer of tissue covering many internal organs, most commonly the pleura (lining of the lungs). It is strongly linked to asbestos exposure.
📋 Types of Mesothelioma
| Type | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pleural mesothelioma | Lining of the lungs (pleura) | Most common type, causes chest pain and breathing issues |
| Peritoneal mesothelioma | Lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) | Causes abdominal pain, swelling, weight loss |
| Pericardial mesothelioma | Lining of the heart (pericardium) | Very rare, affects heart function |
| Testicular mesothelioma | Lining of the testes (tunica vaginalis) | Extremely rare |
⚠️ Causes and Risk Factors
- Asbestos exposure (primary cause)
- Long latency period (20–50 years after exposure)
- Occupational exposure (construction, shipbuilding, mining)
- Sometimes exposure to radiation or certain viruses (SV40)
🩺 Symptoms
- Pleural mesothelioma:
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Pleural effusion (fluid around lungs)
- Fatigue and weight loss
- Peritoneal mesothelioma:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Bowel problems
🔬 Diagnosis
- Imaging: Chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET scan
- Fluid analysis: Sampling of pleural or abdominal fluid
- Biopsy: Tissue sample through thoracoscopy or laparoscopy for definitive diagnosis
- Histopathology: To determine cell type and guide treatment
💊 Treatment
- Surgery: To remove tumor and affected tissues (e.g., pleurectomy or peritonectomy)
- Chemotherapy: Often platinum-based drugs (cisplatin + pemetrexed)
- Radiation therapy: To control local tumors or pain
- Multimodal therapy: Combination of surgery, chemo, and radiation
- Emerging treatments: Immunotherapy, targeted therapies, clinical trials
🔄 Prognosis
- Generally poor due to late diagnosis and aggressive nature
- Median survival is about 12 months after diagnosis, but varies by stage and treatment
- Early detection and multimodal treatment can improve outcomes
🛡️ Prevention
- Avoid asbestos exposure
- Use protective equipment in at-risk jobs
- Follow regulations on asbestos handling and removal