Abstract
Mesothelioma is a tumor that arises from mesothelial cells lining the serosal cavities (pleura, peritoneum, tunica vaginalis and pericardium). More than 80% of all mesotheliomas originate in the pleura and 70% of them are associated with asbestos exposure. Histopathological diagnosis is difficult. Mesothelioma is divided into three histopathological types: epithelioid (the most frequent), biphasic and sarcomatoid. Generally, patients with mesothelioma show a non-specific symptomatology referred to the thorax (dyspnea, chest pain or cough). The presence of a pleural effusion is the major radiological finding. The treatment requires a multidisciplinary team involving pulmonologist, oncologists, radiation oncologists and thoracic surgeons. Multimodal strategies for treatment including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy are recommended for patients with medically operable disease. Single chemotherapy (pemetrexed/cisplatin) is recommended for those patients with non-operable mesothelioma, mesothelioma stage IV or sarcomatoid tumors. The prognosis is poor, with a median survival time of 7 months.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Medicine - Programa de Formación Médica Continuada acreditado
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
