Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics: The Clinics

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics, E-Book (The Clinics: Surgery 30)

by G On Tong

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	53819 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	343 pages

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Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer that arises from the pleura, the lining of the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and the risk of developing MPM increases with the intensity and duration of exposure. The most common symptom of MPM is shortness of breath, but other symptoms may include chest pain, cough, and fatigue. Diagnosis of MPM can be difficult, as it can mimic other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer. Treatment for MPM typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The prognosis for MPM is poor, with a median survival time of less than 1 year.

Epidemiology

MPM is a relatively rare cancer, with an incidence of about 3,000 cases per year in the United States. It is more common in men than in women, and the average age of diagnosis is about 60 years. MPM is most common in industrialized countries, where asbestos exposure has been widespread.

Etiology

The primary cause of MPM is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction and insulation materials. When asbestos is inhaled, it can damage the DNA in the cells of the pleura, which can lead to the development of cancer. The risk of developing MPM is directly related to the intensity and duration of asbestos exposure.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of MPM is shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include chest pain, cough, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. In some cases, MPM can also cause pleural effusion, which is a buildup of fluid in the pleural space.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of MPM can be difficult, as it can mimic other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer. A thorough history and physical examination are essential, and imaging tests such as chest X-rays and CT scans can be helpful in identifying pleural thickening or effusion. Biopsy of the pleura is usually necessary to confirm a diagnosis of MPM.

Treatment

Treatment for MPM typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery is the primary treatment for MPM, and the goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells that have spread beyond the lungs, and radiation therapy is used to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for MPM is poor, with a median survival time of less than 1 year. The prognosis is worse for patients who have a large tumor, who have spread to other organs, and who have a poor performance status.

Prevention

The best way to prevent MPM is to avoid exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is no longer used in most industrialized countries, but it can still be found in older buildings and products. If you are exposed to asbestos, you should wear a respirator and take other precautions to minimize your risk of developing MPM.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common symptom of MPM is shortness of breath, but other symptoms may include chest pain, cough, and fatigue. Diagnosis of MPM can be difficult, as it can mimic other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer. Treatment for MPM typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The prognosis for MPM is poor, with a median survival time of less than 1 year.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics, E-Book (The Clinics: Surgery 30)

by G On Tong

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	53819 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	343 pages

FREE