There are two main types;
1]the localized mesothelioma{benign and malignant types} 2]the diffuse malignant mesothelioma
Causes
There is a strong correlation between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma,although a history of exposure is not always obtainable in patients who have mesothelioma.There are 2 types of asbestos fibres based on crystalline structure;a-serpentine{chrysolite}and b-amphibole.
Included within the amphibole are amosite,tremolte,crocidolite and anthophyllite.The most harmful is the crocidolite or better known as blue asbestos.
Localised Benign Mesothelioma
These characteristically arise from the inner layer of the pleura
Symptoms and signs;
-chest pain
-shortness of breath
-most of the times there are no symptoms{asymptomatic},these tumors are usually discovered on routine chest x-ray …show more content…
-Needle biopsy{the surgeon inserts a special needle into the pleura to take samples of the tumor which is taken to the laboratory to see under the microscope}of the pleura is a must. -Pleural fluid is aspirated and taken to the lab for microsopic examination.
Staging of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
-Stage 1:Involvement of ipsilateral pleura and lungs{affecting just one lung either left or right lung} -Stage 2-Involvement of chest wall,mediastinum{structure at the middle of the heart},pericardium or contralateral{opposite side}pleura -Stage 3-Distant blood spread into other organs eg brain,adrenals
Treatment Treatment is discouragingly ineffective and survival rarely longer than 2 years with an average of 10-14 months.In selected cases with stage 1 a radical surgery-pleuropneumonectomy{removal of lung and pleura} may be effective,but long term survival is rare.Primary radiation therapy may be used also. Combination chemotherapy using either single agent or combination protocols have also been used but the outcome remains
1]the localized mesothelioma{benign and malignant types} 2]the diffuse malignant mesothelioma
Causes
There is a strong correlation between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma,although a history of exposure is not always obtainable in patients who have mesothelioma.There are 2 types of asbestos fibres based on crystalline structure;a-serpentine{chrysolite}and b-amphibole.
Included within the amphibole are amosite,tremolte,crocidolite and anthophyllite.The most harmful is the crocidolite or better known as blue asbestos.
Localised Benign Mesothelioma
These characteristically arise from the inner layer of the pleura
Symptoms and signs;
-chest pain
-shortness of breath
-most of the times there are no symptoms{asymptomatic},these tumors are usually discovered on routine chest x-ray …show more content…
-Needle biopsy{the surgeon inserts a special needle into the pleura to take samples of the tumor which is taken to the laboratory to see under the microscope}of the pleura is a must. -Pleural fluid is aspirated and taken to the lab for microsopic examination.
Staging of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
-Stage 1:Involvement of ipsilateral pleura and lungs{affecting just one lung either left or right lung} -Stage 2-Involvement of chest wall,mediastinum{structure at the middle of the heart},pericardium or contralateral{opposite side}pleura -Stage 3-Distant blood spread into other organs eg brain,adrenals
Treatment Treatment is discouragingly ineffective and survival rarely longer than 2 years with an average of 10-14 months.In selected cases with stage 1 a radical surgery-pleuropneumonectomy{removal of lung and pleura} may be effective,but long term survival is rare.Primary radiation therapy may be used also. Combination chemotherapy using either single agent or combination protocols have also been used but the outcome remains