General Information About Pleural Cancer
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a malignant tumorous growth originating from the protective membrane cells (mesothelium) that surround the lungs, chest wall, and sometimes the organs within the abdomen.
The vast majority of cases are linked to the inhalation of fibrous minerals called asbestos, which were used in the insulation and construction industries. The disease can appear 20-40 years after exposure.
Shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation between the membranes, chest pain radiating to the back or shoulder, dry cough, and weight loss.
While lung cancer is a disease of the organ's own tissue (inside), mesothelioma is a cancer of the thickening membranes that wrap the organ from the outside like an envelope.
Membrane thickenings are detected with a chest CT scan. For a definitive diagnosis, it is essential to take a sample from the fluid accumulated between the membranes or perform a closed biopsy (thoracoscopy).
Surgical removal of the membrane (or the lung) is preferred in early stages. In advanced stages, a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy is used to control the disease's symptoms.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
