Malignant Epithelioid Mesothelioma | Treatment, Prognosis & Diagnosis

Malignant Epithelioid Mesothelioma. Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It is most commonly diagnosed in people who have worked with asbestos.

Malignant Epithelioid Mesothelioma | Treatment, Prognosis & Diagnosis

Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in many products used in construction and other industries. When these products are disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and breathed in. Over time, these fibers can accumulate in the lining of the lungs and other organs, and eventually cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but its incidence has been increasing over the past few decades. This is likely due to the increased use of asbestos in the past, as well as improved diagnosis. There are three main types of mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up about 70% of all cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, making up about 10-20% of all cases. Biphasic mesothelioma includes both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells and makes up about 20-30% of all cases. Malignant

What is Malignant Epithelioid Mesothelioma?

Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This type of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos, and symptoms can take decades to develop. Treatment for malignant epithelioid mesothelioma typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The prognosis for this type of cancer is generally poor, with most people surviving for less than one year after diagnosis.

Causes

Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma is a cancer that starts in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium). It is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral fiber that was once used in many industries, ranging from construction to shipbuilding. Unfortunately, when asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs and other organs, causing inflammation and eventually leading to cancer.

Other potential causes of mesothelioma include radiation exposure (such as from nuclear accidents or medical treatments), certain chemicals (such as cadmium or talc), and previous history of pleural disease (disease of the thin membrane surrounding the lung). However, these causes are much less common than exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms

There are several common symptoms of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, which can include:

– Shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Abdominal pain
– Fatigue
– Weight loss
– Fever
– Night sweats
These symptoms may develop slowly over time, and they can be caused by a variety of other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for malignant epithelioid mesothelioma can be divided into two main categories: local therapy and systemic therapy.

Local therapy is aimed at treating the mesothelioma tumor itself and typically involves surgery or radiation therapy. Surgery is the most common form of local therapy for epithelioid mesothelioma and can be used to either remove the tumor entirely (resection) or to debulk the tumor (cytoreduction). Radiation therapy can be used as either a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery.

Systemic therapy is designed to kill cancer cells that have spread beyond the original tumor site and typically involves chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is often administered intravenously (through an IV) and may be given as a single agent or in combination with other drugs.

Prognosis

The average life expectancy for someone with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma is 12 to 21 months. However, some people have lived for years with this disease. The key to a long and healthy life with mesothelioma is early diagnosis and treatment by a team of specialists.

If you have been diagnosed with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, your doctor will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific situation. The goal of treatment is to control the cancer and relieve symptoms.

There are three main types of treatments for malignant epithelioid mesothelioma: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Your doctor will recommend the best type of treatment based on the stage of your cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences.

Most people with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma will receive a combination of two or more types of treatment. For example, you may have surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Clinical trials are also an option for some people with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma. Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or new combinations of treatments in people with cancer. Participation in a clinical trial is voluntary and requires careful consideration before making a decision.

No matter what type of treatment you receive, it is important

Alternatives to traditional treatment for Malignant Epithel

There are a number of different treatment options available for malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, and the best course of treatment will be determined by a number of factors including the stage of the disease, the patient’s age and overall health, and the preferences of the patient and their doctor.

Some of the most common treatment options for malignant epithelioid mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is often the first line of treatment for this type of cancer, and it may be used to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells.

In some cases, patients may also receive targeted therapy or immunotherapy as part of their treatment plan. Targeted therapy drugs work by targeting specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs help to boost the body’s immune system so that it can better fight off cancer cells.

Clinical trials are another option that may be available to some patients with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma. Clinical trials test new treatments that are not yet widely available. Participation in a clinical trial is often an option for patients who have not responded well to other treatments or who have a rare form of cancer. Link