Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma: a rare malignancy associated with asbestosis

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that occurs in the pleura or abdominal cavity. This rare tumor is seen relatively rarely in medical practice, but its risk increases in people who have been forced to work with asbestos or live in environments where asbestos levels were high.

A mesothelioma tumor can manifest itself with various clinical symptoms that are not specific. With pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity. With peritoneal mesothelioma, symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, swelling, and ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdomen).

Differential diagnosis of mesothelioma is carried out with metastases to the pleura and peritoneum of tumors of various locations. In exudate obtained from the pleural or abdominal cavity, malignant mesothelial cells can be detected (in 50% of cases), but the diagnosis of mesothelioma can only be established with a biopsy performed during thoracic and laparoscopy, or with percutaneous puncture biopsy. Endoscopic examination can help to see multiple small tumor formations in the pleura and peritoneum.

In some cases, mesothelioma can be detected as a large tumor node (diffuse or diffuse nodular form). It metastasizes locally, rarely showing metastases to the liver, lungs and other organs.

Treatment for mesothelioma can be complex and depends on many factors, such as the stage of the tumor and the patient's general condition. Surgical treatment can be useful only in the presence of large tumor nodes and is aimed at reducing the tumor mass. For small tumor metastases, intracavitary administration of radioactive colloidal gold can be used. Radiation therapy can be applied to areas where tumors are located that cannot be removed, and chemotherapy can also be used. During chemotherapy, thiophosphamide (30-40 mg once a week), adriamycin (50 mg/m2 IV once every 3 weeks), cisplatin (100 mg/m2 IV once every 3 weeks) or both are administered into the cavities. drug at the same time.

In conclusion, mesothelioma is a rare but dangerous malignant tumor that is associated with asbestos. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific, which complicates the diagnosis. Fortunately, modern diagnostic and treatment methods can effectively combat this tumor. However, as with any disease, the earlier mesothelioma is detected and treated, the better the patient's prognosis. Therefore, if you suspect mesothelioma, see your doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of malignant tumor that develops from mesothelial cells, the tissue lining most internal organs.

Mesothelioma most often affects the pleura (lining of the lungs), peritoneum (lining of the peritoneum), and pericardium (lining of the heart). Tumors of the mesothelium of the testicles and ovaries are less common.

The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos dust. People working at asbestos enterprises, as well as residents of areas with high levels of asbestos in soil and water, are at risk.

Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the tumor. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. The diagnosis is confirmed by CT scans, sputum tests and biopsy.

Treatment includes surgical removal of the tumor, radiation and chemotherapy. The prognosis for mesothelioma is usually unfavorable. Median survival is 12-18 months from diagnosis.