Mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma


The Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer derived from the mesothelium, consisting of the pleura of the lungs, pericardium surrounding the heart and abdominal peritoneum.

The pleura is formed by two thin layers of membrane that cover the entire pulmonary surface, including the areas between the lobes.

The cancer that begins in the pleura can spread to other parts of the body. When the cancer starts in the pulmonary pleura, it is called malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).


  • Types

There are three histological subtypes of mesothelioma :


  •  The epithelioid represents between 60% and 70% of all cases and usually carries the best prognosis .
  • The sarcomatoid represents between 10% and 15% of all cases. It is a much more aggressive form of mesothelioma .
  • The biphasic or mixed represents between 10% and 15% of cases. This form has characteristics of epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesotheliomas, but is associated with worse survival than the epithelioid.


symptom
In patients with MPM fluid accumulates in the space between the two layers of membrane, which presses on the lung and can cause it to collapse. Among the symptoms are:


  • More frequent



  • Respiratory difficulty
  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Less frequent
  • Persistent cough
  • Major weight loss
  • Blood in the expectoration that is coughing from the lungs
  • Difficulty to swallow
  • Prolonged hoarseness
  • Sickness

Reduction of oxygen concentration

The presence of one or more of the above symptoms does not necessarily imply that you have a mesothelioma . However, it is important that you consult these symptoms with your doctor, as they could indicate other health problems.

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