Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are the most common forms of cancer linked to asbestos fibers. With a very slow and non-characteristic symptoms, mesothelioma is often diagnosed late. Yet treatments exist to extend the life expectancy of cancer patients with asbestos.
What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, also known mesothelomia, is a form of cancer rare but highly virulent. It develops in the mesothelium, a biological tissue that is part of the serosa. The serous membranes are lining the internal body cavities. The body contains three: the pleura (surrounding the lungs), peritoneum (surrounding the abdomen) and pericardium (around the heart). Mesothelioma is always a cancer of the pleura, peritoneum or pericardium. The type of mesothelioma is the most common pleural mesothelioma (the pleura).
What causes mesothelioma?

The majority of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. That is why we often called mesothelioma asbestos cancer. This material is unique to deteriorate into small particles that float in the air and can be inhaled or swallowed. Mesothelioma affects mostly older workers who Mesothelioma handled asbestos or asbestos products. Their families are suffering because of the fibers carried by the workers’ clothing. The erionite, a mineral used in road construction, would also be charged. Typically, mesothelioma expresses from 20 to 50 years after exposure to carcinogenic substances.
How do I know if one has been exposed to asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that comes in the form of fibers, which can be woven. It has been used in many industrial sectors. It includes activities that have been in contact with asbestos in four areas. First is the area of ​​extraction of asbestos. Second, industries manufacturing asbestos-based (fiber cement, textiles, brake linings, clutch …). Insulation products are also involved (building, industrial furnaces, manufacturing of insulation, shipbuilding, insulation …). Finally, some industries have used asbestos to make tools for protection against heat gloves, aprons, blankets … In France, the use of asbestos has been banned since 1997.
Symptoms of asbestos cancer

Mesothelioma is an insidious disease, which is usually diagnosed very late. In pleural mesothelioma, the early manifestations are simple chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough … It is also reported pain in the lower back or shoulder blade. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma (peritoneum), rather, they are abdominal pain and swelling, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight loss … But these symptoms are not typical, it happens often several months before being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Treatment of mesothelioma

The earlier the diagnosis is delayed, the more it will be difficult to treat mesothelioma. However, health care teams are provided with different therapies, they can combine according to the patient and his condition. Surgery may, in some cases significantly increase life expectancy. Doctors also use chemotherapy (anticancer drugs) or radiation (X rays). Many clinical trials are currently underway to further improve treatment options for mesothelioma. And when aggressive treatment is no longer possible, palliative care can improve quality of life and support the patient’s pain.