Mesothelioma and General Health

Studies in the United States, malignant mesothelioma is the most common primary neoplasm of the pleura. But it remains rare in the general population, which are seven to thirteen new cases per million people exposed to factors in this cancer-like asbestos, and it is estimated that may occur one to two new cases per million person exposed to them.

Malignant mesothelioma is characterized by producing nodules, masses, effusions and pleural thickening, unilateral, in which most often is accompanied by an invasion of fissures and at the same lung. A major problem with this neoplasm is the differential diagnosis with conditions such as fibrosis by asbestos, asbestos reactive hyperplasia, lung cancer, pleura and spread to others.

Radiology, topography and magnetic resonance imaging to determine the tumor, but a definitive diagnosis will be determined by pathology.

The prognosis of this disease is difficult to assess consistently due to the high variability of time there before diagnosis and the rate of disease progression. It is possible to perform various surgical procedures in selected patients, survival without providing long-term cure.

In large retrospective series of patients with pleural mesothelioma was found that the important diagnostic factors were: stage, age, performance status and histology.

For patients treated with aggressive surgical strategies, factors associated with better long-term survival include epithelial histology, negative lymph nodes and negative surgical margins.

For patients treated with aggressive surgical approaches, nodal status is an important prognostic factor.

It is reported that the median survival of local malignant pleural disease is about 16 months, and in the case of extensive disease of 5 months. In some cases the tumor grows through the diaphragm, making it difficult to detect the source site.

The cautious interpretation of the results of treatment in this disease is essential due to differences in selection between sets.

Spills represent major symptomatic problems in at least two thirds of patients. We report a history of asbestos exposure in about 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases.