What is Pulmonary Blastoma or Blastoma of Lung?
Pulmonary blastoma is a rare type of lung cancer that consists of a mixture of immature epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. It usually comes from the tissues of the lungs or the pleura (the pleura are the membrane that covers the outside of the lung and the chest cavity). It can also develop in the heart’s aorta, pulmonary artery, or diaphragm. It accounts for 0.25% to 0.5% of all lung cancer cases. It shows an unfavorable prognosis (probable course of the disease). The five-year survival rate is approximately 15%.
Disease Causes
The change in the DICER1 gene is the main cause of the development of pulmonary blastoma.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms depend on the extent and spread of the disease to other organs or parts of the body. If the cancer is limited to the lungs, the patient will only experience signs and symptoms of the respiratory system. At the same time, in cases where this cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the patient also experiences B symptoms of cancer.
General respiratory symptoms of blastoma lung
- Persistent cough
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing)
- Chest pain that worsens with coughing, laughing and breathing deeply
- Coughing up blood
- Wheezing without having asthma history
- Clubbing of the fingers and nails (A physical sign characterized by a bulging extension at the ends of one or more fingers or toes).
The following are the general B symptoms (systemic symptoms) of blastoma lungs when it spreads to other organs of the body. These are
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Bone pains
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.
- Tumor biopsy ( lung tumor biopsy to remove a small sample of lung tissue for histopathological examination)
- Sputum cytology
- USG guided fine needle aspiration cytology
Treatment
Surgery is the main method of treatment. Concomitant chemotherapy and radiation therapy is less effective for lung blastoma.
What Support can we Give for Pulmonary Blastoma?
Pulmonary Blastoma is rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. So, we provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Pulmonary Blastoma, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
