Mesothelioma: risk factors for humans

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor arising from the cells of the mesothelium, a thin lining found around the lungs, abdomen and other parts of the body. The main cause of this disease is exposure to asbestos, a toxic substance found in old buildings, insulating fabrics, pipes and construction materials. This type of cancer mainly affects males and represents 0.8% of all tumors found in males in Italy. Most mesotheliomas affect lung tissue. Asbestos is a toxic substance present in many old buildings, in thermal insulation fabrics, in pipes and in building materials. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can enter the lungs and digestive system, causing damage to mesothelium cells. Once diagnosed, mesothelioma is often already in an advanced stage and the prognosis is extremely poor. The median survival for mesothelioma is just 12-21 months, and the five-year survival rate is less than 10%. This makes mesothelioma one of the deadliest types of cancer, with a shorter life expectancy than many other forms of cancer. If symptoms had been present in subjects with memory risk factors, chest x-ray, showing pleural abnormalities and a large unilateral pleural effusion, would have been performed first, followed by CT. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to mesothelium cells in the lungs and digestive system. The diagnosis of mesothelioma often occurs at an advanced stage and the prognosis is extremely poor, with a five-year life expectancy of less than 10%. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells, but it can cause unwanted side effects. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, but it can also cause side effects. However, there is no complete cure for the disease, and the effectiveness of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the stage it is in. In some cases, patients may participate in clinical trials to test new treatments. It is essential to consult a specialized doctor to evaluate the treatment options available and decide on the one best suited to your situation.

In conclusion, it is important to raise awareness among the population about the existence of mesothelioma and the risks associated with exposure to asbestos to actively fight this disease.