Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that causes the growth of a tumor in the membranes that cover the organs of the chest or in the membranes that protect the organs of the abdomen.
Thus, depending on the affected site, there are 2 main types of malignant mesothelioma:
- Pleural malignant mesothelioma: is the most common type that affects the tissue that covers the lungs;
- Peritoneal malignant mesothelioma: it appears on the membrane that covers the organs of the abdomen.
Normally, malignant mesothelioma grows on one of the membranes, but it can quickly affect other organs, causing cancer in the lungs or stomach, for example.
Malignant mesothelioma is more common in men over 50 who have been exposed to chemicals such as asbestos or abesto.
Treatment for malignant mesothelioma
Treatment for malignant mesothelioma should be guided by an oncologist, but is usually done with surgery to remove the maximum of affected tissue, supplemented with chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate the remaining tumor cells.
However, most mesotheliomas are diagnosed at very advanced stages, making treatment difficult and decreasing survival chances for less than 12 months.
Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma
Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma may include:
- Chest pain;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Persistent cough;
- Frequent nausea and vomiting;
- Fever below constant 38 ° C;
- Change in bowel habits;
- Sudden weight loss for no apparent reason.
The symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are more frequent in the more advanced stage of the disease, and may vary depending on the affected organs.
