4 Treatments for Mesothelioma Syndrome
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4 Treatments for Mesothelioma Syndrome
Ever heard of mesothelioma syndrome? Although called a syndrome, this disease is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, the tissue that lines various organs of the body. Find out more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for mesothelioma syndrome in this discussion, come on!
This syndrome is divided into four types, namely:
- Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the mesothelium lining the lungs (pleura). This type of mesothelioma syndrome is the most common.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, namely mesothelioma in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
- Pericardial mesothelioma is mesothelioma that attacks the protective layer of the heart organ.
- Testicular mesothelioma is mesothelioma that attacks the protective layer of the testes or testicles.
It is not known exactly what makes a person susceptible to mesothelioma syndrome. However, this condition is often associated with long-term asbestos exposure (asbestos). Asbestos is a mineral that is widely used as a building construction material, such as roofing, because of its heat-resistant and fire-resistant properties.
When asbestos is destroyed, either during the mining process or building renovations, this material will produce lint or fine dust. Asbestos fine fibers are very easily inhaled, then enter and settle in the organs of the body, especially the lungs. Ingested asbestos fibers can also move through the lymphatic system, settle, and infect cells in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Symptoms Appear Gradually
When experiencing mesothelioma syndrome, symptoms that occur generally appear gradually. In some cases, new symptoms will appear after 20-30 years. With such conditions, people with mesothelioma syndrome may not feel any symptoms when mesothelioma is still in its early stages.
However, over time, cancer cells will grow and press on nerves or other organs, causing symptoms. The type of symptoms that appear can vary, depending on the location of cancer.
In pulmonary mesothelioma, the symptoms that may appear are:
- Fever with sweating, especially at night.
- Excessive fatigue.
- Cough with unbearable pain.
- Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs, precisely in the pleural cavity, which is the space between the two layers of pleura that line the lungs.
- Weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Chest pain.
- Swelling and deformity of the fingertips (club fingers).
- A lump appears in the tissue under the skin surface in the chest area.
Meanwhile, abdominal (peritoneal) mesothelioma has the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight decreased drastically.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Swelling in the abdominal area.
- A lump appears in the stomach.
- Disturbances in defecation and urination.
Other types of mesothelioma syndrome that are quite rare are pericardial and testicular mesothelioma. When experiencing this condition, the common symptoms that appear are chest pain and shortness of breath. While testicular mesothelioma is characterized by swelling or the appearance of a lump in the testicular area.
Types of Treatment to Overcome It
Because it is a rare type of cancer, treatment methods to treat mesothelioma syndrome are still quite minimal. However, several types of treatment can be done to control or reduce the symptoms experienced, and prolong the life of the sufferer.
These types of treatment are:
1. Operation
The surgical procedure is usually performed when mesothelioma syndrome is still in its early stages. There are several options for actions that the doctor may take during surgery, namely:
Removal of cancer cells as much as possible from the patient's body. This action can support treatment with radiotherapy to reduce pain and inhibit cancer growth.
The suction of fluids is due to fluid buildup in the chest area that can interfere with breathing. This procedure is done by inserting a catheter tube into the chest to suck out the fluid. The doctor may also inject medication to seal the pleural cavity so that fluid can no longer accumulate. This procedure is known as pleurodesis.
2. Chemotherapy
This is a treatment therapy that is done by giving anticancer drugs to destroy and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery to shrink the tumor, make it easier to remove the tumor, and reduce the risk of cancer coming back.
3. Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)
This medical therapy uses X-rays and proton beams that are focused on specific areas of the body. Radiation therapy is usually done after the patient undergoes a surgical procedure, to remove residual cancer cells. This treatment therapy is also done to reduce the symptoms of advanced cancer when surgery is not possible.
4. Multimodality Therapy
This therapy is a combination of three or more treatment steps, such as surgery, postoperative chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to increase the success rate of treatment.
That's a little explanation of the Four Treatments to Overcome Mesothelioma Syndrome that may be useful.