What is Malignant Mesothelioma of Lung?
Malignant mesothelioma of the lung is a type of lung cancer that arises from a thin layer of tissues that forms the outer lining or layer of most of the body’s internal organs. In case of the lungs and chest cavity, this mesothelial layer is called the pleura, or pleural membrane, which covers the lungs and chest cavity. Malignant mesothelioma of the lung is a highly malignant tumour. High-grade tumours are tumours that grow rapidly and spread to other distant parts of the body. It shows a poor prognosis (likely course of the disease). The one-year survival rate after diagnosis is 50%.Disease Causes
Malignant mesothelioma of the lung is caused by exposure to a substance called asbestos. When a person inhales asbestos fibers over a long period of time, it can accumulate in the lining of the lungs and cause mesothelioma lung cancer. Exposure to certain radiations or prior radiation therapy is also a risk factor for the development of malignant mesothelioma of the lung.Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are- Persistent dry cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
- Pleural effusion (it is a condition in which excessive fluid accumulates between the lung and its outer membranes)
- Pain in the chest
- Clubbing of nails
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are;- Imaging techniques like Chest X-ray, CT-scan, MRI, and PET scan to see the site, size, and extent of the tumor.
- Tumour biopsy ( lung tumour biopsy to remove a small sample of lung tissue for histopathological examination)
- Sputum cytology
- USG-guided fine needle aspiration cytology