MESOTHELIOMA: THE ASBESTOS INDUCED TUMOR.

Traducido por Lizette Reneé Juárez García

If you want to see images about Mesothelioma, consult:

MESOTHELIOMA: IMAGE GALERY

Mesothelioma is a tumor that affects the serous (pleura and peritoneum) and its origin is always related to the exposition of asbestos, most commonly used in the building industry as an isolating material, but the exposition could have taken place about 20 and 50 years before the apparition of the Mesothelioma. This implies important legal consequences in patients all around the world.

The average age of diagnosis is 60 years old and it is commonly shown in men.
The classic symptoms are: dyspnea (shortness of breath), thoracic pain, cough and loss of weigh.

The diagnosis of this type of tumor is initially based on diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT, etc.) followed by the anotomopathological diagnosis (cytology examination of pleural fluid and pulmonary biopsy).

Treatment:
The treatment is mainly based on the early surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, also analgesia and oxygen therapies are used.

Prognosis:
Once de diagnosis of the mesothelioma has been made, the prognosis depends on the stage of the tumor and the possibility of successful surgical treatment. However the average survival time ranges between 4 and 18 months, although this varies from one study to another.

There are supportive groups for patients with this problem in order to deepen the knowledge of this condition; these groups also provide psychological support.
 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

· MedlinePlus Enciclopedia Médica: Mesothelioma (maligno)
· National Cancer Institute - Mesothelioma maligno
· Mesothelioma Web - Resources for Patients
· Asbestos Exposure News - Mesothelioma Lawyers
· Mesothelioma Lawyers, California Attorneys
· The Mesothelioma Center: Medical and legal information on asbestos
· Mesothelioma Fact Sheet - American Lung Association site
· Support for Mesothelioma Patients
· Mesothelioma & Asbestos Cancer Resource

Traducido por Lizette Reneé Juárez García