Mesothelioma Medical Information

Mesothelioma is a disease of the lining that surrounds major organs of the body. It can be benign or malignant, although both of these forms are equally serious diseases. Currently no cure is known for mesothelioma. Treatments are available to slow the disease or that help the patient more comfortably deal with the symptoms of the disease.

Major symptoms include

• chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, increased sputum, fluid in the lungs or abdomen,
• abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, bloating, nausea,
• anemia, clotting disorders, and/or
• deterioration of general health

These symptoms or any combination of these symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.

Diagnosis may be delayed because early symptoms are generally non-specific and are similar to those of viral pneumonia and other chest and abdominal diseases. Sometimes a patient will have no symptoms at all.

Diagnosis is made by examination of the patient's medical and environmental history, physical examination, chest x-ray and/or CT scans, pulmonary exams, blood tests, and biopsy.

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, its location, how widespread it is in the body, and the patient's general health. Mesothelioma treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Gene Therapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Heat therapy

Surgical procedures include:

• Pleurectomy
• Extrapleural pneumonectomy

Supportive treatments for:

• Pain management
• Shortness of breath

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