Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma – Asbestos

Complications

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma progresses rapidly as the tumor spreads along the pleural surface to involve the pericardium, mediastinum, and contralateral pleura. The tumor may eventually extend beyond the thorax to involve abdominal lymph nodes and organs. Progressive pain and dyspnea are characteristic.

Local invasion of thoracic structures may cause superior vena cava syndrome, hoarseness, Horner syndrome, and dysphagia.

Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with mesothelioma include thrombocytosis, hemolytic anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and migratory thrombophlebitis.

Treatment -- Surgery, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

Treatment with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a combination of methods has been attempted but is generally unsuccessful. Some surgeons believe that extrapleural pneumonectomy is the preferred surgical approach for patients with early stage disease. Drainage of pleural effusions, pleurodesis, radiation therapy and even surgical resection may offer palliative benefit in some patients.

Note: Watch the video below and learn the best options available for you if you have malignant pleural mesothelioma. . . Don’t miss to watch this video — it’s very educational for both patients and physicians.

Prognosis

Most patients die of respiratory failure and complications of local extension. Median survival time from onset of symptoms ranges from 4 months in extensive disease to 16 months in localized disease. Five-year survival is less than 5%.

Source: Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, p. 1435