 |
| Mesothelioma |
MyBacklink86 - Mesothelioma is a lung cancer that is quite rare, but the most dangerous and deadly that usually occurs in the membrane around the lungs, which called the pleura. The main cause of cancer that attacks lung cells called mesothelium is exposure to asbestos dust.
Asbestos can be in the form of roofing boards, minerals, fibers and various kinds of processed asbestos products that can cause dust and are inhaled along with the air. Usually this occurs in industrial settings, construction sites, carpentry and building material stores. When asbestos fibers and dust are inhaled into the lungs, the dust will stop in the lungs.
If you constantly breathe in asbestos dust, the dust will collect and settle in the lungs. This is the cause of cancer and the risk will increase if you are an active smoker or have a family history of cancer.
This cancer will be very deadly because of the patient's average survival time for Mesothelioma cance or malignant mesothelioma ranges from 4 to 18 months, and about 10 percent of patients live at least five years after being diagnosed.
Types of Mesothelioma Cancer
- Pleural mesothelioma (pleural mesothelioma), which is cancer that attacks the lining of the mesothelium of the lungs (pleura). This type is the type that occurs most often.
- Mesothelioma peritoneum (peritoneal mesothelioma), namely mesothelioma in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
- Mesothelioma pericardium (pericardial mesothelioma), which is mesothelioma that attacks the protective lining of the heart organ.
- Mesothelioma testis (testicular mesothelioma), which is mesothelioma which attacks the protective layer of the testes or testicles.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
- Dyspnea and nonpleuritic chest wall pain are the most common symptoms of malignant mesothelioma, (About 60-90% of patients experience chest pain or dyspnea symptoms).
- In patients with malignant mesothelioma, the physical findings of pleural effusion are usually recognized by percussion and auscultation.
- In rare cases, malignant mesothelioma manifests as cord compression, brachial plexopathy, Horner's syndrome, or superior vena cava syndrome. Death is usually caused by infection or respiratory failure from the development of mesothelioma.
- The main areas that often occur in the pleura (87%), peritoneum (5.1%), and pericardium (0.4%).
- So if you are one of those who work in the asbestos industry, or have had direct contact with asbestos quite often, then it's a good idea to get checked out before mesothelioma strikes, yes.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Apart from the history and symptoms, further tests are done to diagnose mesothelioma, including X-rays to check if there are abnormalities in the chest and CT scans to check the chest and stomach area. Biopsy using a small fine needle or by laparoscopy or thoracoscopy is also very helpful for permanent diagnosis.
Prevention of Mesothelioma
For prevention, especially for factory workers. If you work in an environment that is at high risk of asbestos exposure, then follow the safety regulations set by the company:
- Use personal protective equipment such as masks while in work areas that are prone to asbestos exposure.
- Dispose of the remaining asbestos material in a safe place and not harmful to the surrounding environment.
- Do not bring home clothes and shoes that you used while working.
How many things can be done to reduce the risk of getting mesothelioma disease, among others:
- Carry out regular health checks to detect symptoms or signs of asbestos-related diseases.
- Stop smoking. Smoking does not directly cause mesothelioma, but smoking is a trigger factor and can increase the risk of various types of cancer, including mesothelioma.
- Learn and follow the instructions regarding the safe handling of asbestos in the local environment. Do not move material containing asbestos carelessly.
Management of Mesothelioma
Some mesothelioma treatments that are generally done are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery is performed to remove cancer which is generally still in the early stages of development of the disease, although in some cases it still fails to completely remove cancer cells.
