Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The pleura has two layers of tissue: one layer covers the lungs and the other lines the inside wall of the chest. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a fast-moving cancer with a median survival time of between one and two years.The majority of mesotheliomas are associated with asbestos exposure.
As with the other mesotheliomas, it is caused by exposure to asbestos. Approximately it accounts to 95% of asbestos found in buildings throughout the United States. The workers include those who work in steel, plumbing, milling, mining, insulation and workers of other industries who deal with asbestos as well. But the cancer may not be diagnosed until 20 to 50 years after exposure because it takes a long time to develop.That is why most cases of occur in people in their late 50s and older. The average age at which symptoms usually start to appear is around 60 years old.It occurs more in men than in women:Mesothelioma affects men about three times more often than women in the US. Another very interesting aspect of mesothelioma is that family members of people exposed asbestos in their work place show an increased incidence of this cancer as compared to others.
Other related symptoms could include rapid weight loss, unexplained back pain, and swelling in the face and neck.Like all cancers, early detection is the key to increasing the survival rate. Pleural effusion caused by collection of fluid between the two linings of lungs and chest cavity may give rise to persistent cough. A biopsy of the pleural tissue or fluid may reveal the cancer of the mesothelial cells and a proper diagnosis can thus be established.
As non-small cell cancer spreads within the chest, it is treated with some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Treatment for esophageal mesothelioma cancer depends on a number of factors, including its exact location, size, extent, and type of cancer cells. A number of experimental treatments, such as immunotherapy and biotherapy, are currently being evaluated in clinical trials.