What are the causes of mesothelioma?
mesothelioma cancer symptoms
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is pre-exposure to asbestos, which are small molecules that have been used for insulation and home heating. The use of this substance has become limited at the present time, and there are strict safety guidelines in the event of dealing with or around this substance. However, the negative effects of asbestos were not known in the past decades when its use was more prevalent, so older people who were exposed to asbestos at a younger age may have a greater chance of getting sick. Asbestos-related cancers may take decades to develop and appear, so if you had been exposed to asbestos more than 20 years ago, you may still be at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Unlike lung cancer, smoking tobacco does not cause mesothelioma, but studies have shown that smoking may increase the chance of developing asbestos-related cancers.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
1- Fluid collects in the lungs or abdomen.
2- breathing difficulties.
3- Pain in the chest area.
4- Abdominal pain or swelling.
5- The presence of a lump in the abdomen.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Doctors use a range of diagnostic techniques to obtain an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma and its stage:
1- Computed tomography / positron emission tomography to identify any abnormalities in organs or tissues.
2- Endobronchial ultrasound -EBUS ultrasound to obtain images of the lungs and surrounding areas to detect the presence of any tumors. This technique can also be used to obtain a biopsy of the lung tissue.
3- Lung function tests (PFT) to monitor breathing and assess the functioning of the lungs.
4- Cytological examination of sputum, which is a microscopic examination of the cells of a sample of the mucous material of the lung.
5- Tracheal endoscopy to examine the airways of the lungs.
6- Suction needle across the chest to obtain a sample of lung tissue for examination under a microscope.
7- Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) test.
Symptoms of mesothelioma
The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the onset of cancer.
Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the lungs, and may include the following signs and symptoms:
1- Chest pain.
2- Painful cough.
3- shortness of breath.
4- Abnormal tissue blocks appear under the skin of the chest.
5- Unexplained weight loss.
Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the abdomen, and may include the following signs and symptoms:
1- Tummy ache.
2- Abdominal distension.
3- Nausea.
4- Unexplained weight loss.
How is mesothelioma treated?
A highly specialized team of oncologists and surgeons takes care of mesothelioma patients, where the appropriate treatment plan is drawn up based on the size of the tumor and the stage of the disease. The treatment plan may include options for surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy