Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods

Mesothelioma: Pleural Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma, also known as pleural lung cancer, is a rare and typically late-stage diagnosed serious form of cancer. This disease originates in mesothelial cells, which are the thin layer of tissue covering the outer surface of certain organs in the body, particularly the lungs. Since mesothelioma is an insidious cancer that progresses gradually with symptoms appearing over time, early detection and effective treatment methods are of great importance. In this article we have prepared for you, we will provide information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of pleural lung cancer.

What is Pleural Lung Cancer (Mesothelioma)?

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor originating from the cells of serous membranes in the body. This disease, also known as pleural lung cancer, most commonly begins in the pleura, the membrane layer covering the outer surface of the lungs. However, mesothelioma can also occur in other serous membranes such as the peritoneum, pericardium, and tunica vaginalis testis. Based on cell type, mesothelioma is divided into three categories: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. This type of cancer is generally more common in elderly individuals and men.

What are the Causes of Pleural Lung Cancer (Mesothelioma)?

Mesothelioma is primarily a cancer that develops as a result of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a natural mineral that, due to its resistance to heat and chemicals, was widely used in fields such as construction, insulation, and the automotive industry. Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes damage to mesothelial cells and leads to the formation of cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can develop years after asbestos exposure, even 20-40 years later. Smoking and genetic predisposition are among other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma.

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma symptoms are generally nonspecific and mild in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms become more pronounced as the disease progresses and the tumor grows. The most common symptoms of pleural lung cancer include:

• Chest pain and back pain,

• Shortness of breath and wheezing,

• Cough and bloody sputum,

• Weight loss and loss of appetite,

• Fatigue and weakness,

• Fever and night sweats,

• Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation between pleural layers),

Since mesothelioma symptoms resemble other lung diseases, doctors perform a comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis. This evaluation includes physical examination, imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI), and biopsy. Early-detected mesothelioma can be managed more successfully with treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Who Gets Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma refers to malignant tumors of thin cellular membranes, particularly those found in the pleura (lung membrane) and peritoneum (abdominal membrane). Rarely, it can also occur in the pericardium (heart membrane) and tunica vaginalis testis (testicular membrane). Although mesothelioma typically appears in the 50-70 age range, it can occur in any age group. It is more commonly seen in men than in women.

Mesothelioma is primarily associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral resistant to heat and chemicals that was widely used in the past in fields such as construction, shipbuilding, the automotive industry, and insulation materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause these fibers to settle in the lungs, potentially leading to cancer development in the long term.

Besides asbestos exposure, other risk factors such as radiation therapy, genetic factors, and viral infections can also play a role in mesothelioma development. Additionally, family members of individuals who work with asbestos can be indirectly exposed to asbestos through work clothes and materials, which can increase mesothelioma risk.

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Mesothelioma diagnosis is established based on patient complaints, physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests. Patients typically present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, weight loss, and abdominal swelling. The doctor may evaluate the patient's history of asbestos exposure and other risk factors, then request appropriate diagnostic tests.

Radiological examinations (chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) are the first-line diagnostic methods in patients suspected of having mesothelioma. These imaging methods help determine the location, size, and extent of the tumor.

For definitive diagnosis, a biopsy must be performed. A biopsy is the examination of tissue samples obtained from the tumor under a microscope. Biopsy methods include fine needle aspiration, surgical biopsy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

How is Mesothelioma Treated?

Mesothelioma treatment is determined based on the patient's age, general health status, tumor stage, type, and extent of spread. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Surgical treatment is preferred when the tumor is at an early stage and has not spread to other organs. Surgical methods include removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues (pleurectomy), complete lung removal (pneumonectomy), and removal of the pleural and peritoneal membranes (extrapleural).

Radiotherapy is used before or after surgery to destroy or reduce tumor cells. Radiotherapy can also help slow tumor growth and improve the patient's quality of life.

Chemotherapy is a treatment method using drugs that prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy can be administered before or after surgical treatment and is sometimes used in combination with radiotherapy.

Immunotherapy strengthens the immune system to help it fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy, a newer approach in mesothelioma treatment, can be used particularly in cases unresponsive to other treatment methods or in advanced-stage disease.

In mesothelioma treatment, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted, with the joint decision of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals determining the most appropriate treatment plan.

What is the Life Expectancy with Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, particularly occurring in the pleural membrane and generally associated with asbestos exposure, is an aggressive form of cancer. Life expectancy with this disease varies depending on whether diagnosis was made at an early stage, the patient's general health status, age, and treatment options. However, in general, mesothelioma life expectancy is considered low, varying from 1 to 2 years for the majority of patients.

Patients diagnosed with early-stage mesothelioma may have longer life expectancy. This is because early detection provides more opportunity to prevent disease spread and use more effective treatment options. In patients diagnosed at an early stage, 75% complete the first year, and 35-45% complete two years. However, survival beyond five years is quite rare, occurring in only 5-10% of cases.

Other factors affecting mesothelioma life expectancy include:

• Patient age,

• Patient's general health status,

• Cancer type and stage,

• Treatment options,

Mesothelioma life expectancy can vary greatly depending on the patient's individual circumstances and response to treatment. Therefore, it is important for patients to maintain continuous communication with their physicians and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

What are the Stages of Pleural Lung Cancer?

Pleural lung cancer, or mesothelioma, is divided into four stages. Each stage helps determine the extent of cancer spread and available treatment options. Pleural lung cancer stages are as follows:

Stage 1: In this stage, cancer is present only in the pleural membrane and possibly in the diaphragm. There is no spread or lymph node involvement. Stage 1 mesothelioma can be treated with surgical intervention and offers better life expectancy.

Stage 2: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in addition to the pleural membrane and diaphragm. Surgical intervention may still be possible, but treatment becomes more difficult and life expectancy is generally shorter.

Stage 3: In this stage, cancer has spread to nearby tissues such as the pleural membrane, diaphragm, lymph nodes, and chest wall. Surgical intervention becomes more difficult, and other treatment options such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy are typically used. Life expectancy is further reduced.

Stage 4: Cancer has spread to areas distant from the pleura and thoracic cavity. At this stage, cancer is generally incurable, and life expectancy may be quite short. Treatment options are directed toward improving the patient's quality of life and alleviating symptoms.

Knowledge of pleural lung cancer stages, treatment options, and life expectancy can help patients and families better understand the disease and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Pleural Lung Cancer (Mesothelioma) Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has successfully made a name for itself globally through its investments and efforts in healthcare. Particularly, advanced technological equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has brought hope for many diseases. Additionally, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

The reasons for preference include:

• Hospitals being spacious, clean, well-maintained, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and caregivers being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company assisting the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering opportunities for vacation with its natural and historical attractions,

• Easy accessibility,

• Availability of diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation needs at affordable prices,

We can see that patients and patient relatives wishing to come to Turkey for Pleural Lung Cancer (Mesothelioma) treatment conduct research regarding treatment costs in Turkey. However, at this stage, providing specific price information would not be appropriate. Many factors affect pricing, such as the type and stage of disease, diagnostic process duration, treatment process duration, and length of stay in Turkey. If you would like to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our agency, we can facilitate your visa application process through the invitation letter we send to the consulate.